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Guarding What Remains
In the shadow of the Great Depression, a tragedy turned into adventure could have dire consequences for Eleanor and her family.
Eleanor is persistent. So, when the unthinkable strikes, and her family loses everything, she believes this new start to be an adventure. If only Teddy isn’t left behind.
Leaving their farm for city life, Eleanor thinks things will work out. But her hope falters as they join the thousands searching for nonexistent jobs. Eleanor is desperate. At age ten, she’s powerless. But that doesn’t stop Eleanor, who determinately fights for their survival. Even as guilt haunts her.
Despite her creativity and resolve, hunger, homelessness, and winter’s frigid cold leave Eleanor and her family frail. Now they face separation and even death. When her father surrenders, it seems the end. Then an unexpected answer to prayer opens opportunities, only to be clouded by a devastating heartbreak. As her family appears to be fragmenting, can Eleanor guard what remains?
If you liked Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds , Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train , and Elizabeth Hardinger’s All the Forgivenesses , you’ll enjoy Guarding What Remains . Buy Now and Join Eleanor on Her Jagged Journey.
What readers are saying about Guarding What
“…an unforgettable read! ”
“… a powerful story of pain and forgiveness, human frailty and resilience, temptation and grace, hopelessness and steadfast love.”
“… I couldn’t put it down …”
“ Poignant . Heart wrenching. Must read .”
“…What a roller coaster ride of emotions …such a full, rich story…”
“A beautiful and well-researched novel of the Depression…”
“…This book offers hope in the midst of life’s struggles …”
“…. I laughed, cried, cheered and pondered my faith …”
“The author reels you in from the start and does not let go until the last page. A great variety of believable characters that you can’t help but root for them…”
Eleanor is persistent. So, when the unthinkable strikes, and her family loses everything, she believes this new start to be an adventure. If only Teddy isn’t left behind.
Leaving their farm for city life, Eleanor thinks things will work out. But her hope falters as they join the thousands searching for nonexistent jobs. Eleanor is desperate. At age ten, she’s powerless. But that doesn’t stop Eleanor, who determinately fights for their survival. Even as guilt haunts her.
Despite her creativity and resolve, hunger, homelessness, and winter’s frigid cold leave Eleanor and her family frail. Now they face separation and even death. When her father surrenders, it seems the end. Then an unexpected answer to prayer opens opportunities, only to be clouded by a devastating heartbreak. As her family appears to be fragmenting, can Eleanor guard what remains?
If you liked Kristin Hannah’s The Four Winds , Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train , and Elizabeth Hardinger’s All the Forgivenesses , you’ll enjoy Guarding What Remains . Buy Now and Join Eleanor on Her Jagged Journey.
What readers are saying about Guarding What
“…an unforgettable read! ”
“… a powerful story of pain and forgiveness, human frailty and resilience, temptation and grace, hopelessness and steadfast love.”
“… I couldn’t put it down …”
“ Poignant . Heart wrenching. Must read .”
“…What a roller coaster ride of emotions …such a full, rich story…”
“A beautiful and well-researched novel of the Depression…”
“…This book offers hope in the midst of life’s struggles …”
“…. I laughed, cried, cheered and pondered my faith …”
“The author reels you in from the start and does not let go until the last page. A great variety of believable characters that you can’t help but root for them…”
- GenresHistorical Fiction
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2022
About the author
Ida Smith
4 books30 followersIda Smith writes character driven stories about people with jagged journeys, usually-but not always-from a historical setting. Ida enjoys reading stories with unexpected twists and turns that also teach her about other cultures, time periods, and personalities.
Because of her love of these types of stories, Ida also tries to write stories that show the jagged journeys our lives can sometimes take.
Ida lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and a crazy dog named Taz where she enjoys hiking, photography, and scrapbooking.
Learn more about Ida and her stories at: idasmithbooks.com.
Because of her love of these types of stories, Ida also tries to write stories that show the jagged journeys our lives can sometimes take.
Ida lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and a crazy dog named Taz where she enjoys hiking, photography, and scrapbooking.
Learn more about Ida and her stories at: idasmithbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 6, 2025
I really liked this book ! First book I have read from this author but won’t be my last.Good clean historical fiction with Christian beliefs.
August 4, 2022
What a WONDERFUL book! I think it should be a classic!
This book kept me up way too late for a couple of nights, so make sure you read when you’ve got a while to spare!
What a roller coaster ride of emotions this book evoked in me! I went from calm & peaceful to sad, angry, happy, joyful in parts, plumbing the depths of despair in others, gratitude, despair, shame at my complaints, REPENTANCE of some of my (hopefully) former attitudes in my own trials; emotions too numerous to name, from one end of the spectrum to the other! Some of the very few emotions I did NOT feel were discontent & ingratitude as I pondered my own situations!
I appreciate Ida’s clean writing anyway, and this was just such a full, rich story. She also did a superb job handling the Gospel and the message of salvation!
Historical fiction is not my genre of choice (clean mysteries & thrillers), but I am SO thankful that I read this book. It’s a literal life changer if one allows it to be.
I highly recommend this book for an unforgettable read!
This book was a gift from the author, this is my honest opinion about it.
This book kept me up way too late for a couple of nights, so make sure you read when you’ve got a while to spare!
What a roller coaster ride of emotions this book evoked in me! I went from calm & peaceful to sad, angry, happy, joyful in parts, plumbing the depths of despair in others, gratitude, despair, shame at my complaints, REPENTANCE of some of my (hopefully) former attitudes in my own trials; emotions too numerous to name, from one end of the spectrum to the other! Some of the very few emotions I did NOT feel were discontent & ingratitude as I pondered my own situations!
I appreciate Ida’s clean writing anyway, and this was just such a full, rich story. She also did a superb job handling the Gospel and the message of salvation!
Historical fiction is not my genre of choice (clean mysteries & thrillers), but I am SO thankful that I read this book. It’s a literal life changer if one allows it to be.
I highly recommend this book for an unforgettable read!
This book was a gift from the author, this is my honest opinion about it.
September 24, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not my usual genre but i couldn't put it down. My heart was in my mouth for this poor family whose world is ripped apart by the great depression. The author reels you in from the start and does not let go until the last page. A great variety of believable characters that you can't help but root for them, and you need to keep turning the page every time there is disaster looming and hoping they come through against all odds. It is superbly written and obviously a great deal of research has gone into this to make it realistic and to give an insight into how families fared during this dark time in our history. If you enjoy historical dramas, and throw in love, drama, suspense then this will be right up your street, enjoy.
February 20, 2023
Wow! What a phenomenal read for a lesser known author. I am reading several books this month for various book clubs and this one kept drawing me in over the others. Easy to read, but full of description and detail. The story line isn't slow and I even found myself tearful at certain points, which is a rarity for me. Being able to evoke such emotion really has me wishing I had bought this book physically (not just on my kindle) and I definitely would recommend this book to others.
December 20, 2025
Raw and emotional
This book is unknowingly, what I needed to read and reflect on at a time that couldn't I been any more perfect. There were some hard things, emotional pain, physical pain and loss but oh, the reflection! A tear jerker and a gentle hug plus valuable reminders.
This book is unknowingly, what I needed to read and reflect on at a time that couldn't I been any more perfect. There were some hard things, emotional pain, physical pain and loss but oh, the reflection! A tear jerker and a gentle hug plus valuable reminders.
June 26, 2025
Family is God's way of giving us his all.
When life is wonderful and you think nothing could be any worse, tragedy can strike. How people handle the crisis is meant to teach us God's love. It's not for us to know what trials and tribulations we go through. We just have to be vigilant like the Cruther's Family. No family is perfect. No mom or dad have all the answers. Sometimes the children are pressed into positions that are too hard for them to do. Please read this book and you will see what happens to this family.
When life is wonderful and you think nothing could be any worse, tragedy can strike. How people handle the crisis is meant to teach us God's love. It's not for us to know what trials and tribulations we go through. We just have to be vigilant like the Cruther's Family. No family is perfect. No mom or dad have all the answers. Sometimes the children are pressed into positions that are too hard for them to do. Please read this book and you will see what happens to this family.
July 26, 2022
Wow! A fantastic book describing the struggles of a family through unprecedented difficulties. The characters and their different journeys through the exact same circumstances perfectly depicts how God uses good and bad events to get our attention. This is such a powerful story of pain and forgiveness, human frailty and resilience, temptation and grace, hopelessness and steadfast love. I absolutely recommend this book.
September 26, 2022
I loved this story told during the Great Depression. It was heartbreaking, intriguing and triumphant. I like Eleanor's character. Even though was only ten, she showed courage, determination and strength during their unbearably hard times. The story is so well researched and well written that it came alive as I read each page. If you love historical fiction, this book is for you. I received an advance copy of this book from Story Origin and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 29, 2025
What a most revealing book about the depression. I knew of Hooverville, but did not really understand how desperate those poor people had become. A thought provoking, heart breaking (at times) book. I am glad I read this book and highly recommend it. Looking forward to more great books from Ms. Smith.
August 22, 2022
A beautiful story of a 10 year old seeing her family going through many difficulties during a bad period in their lives.Eleanor sees her family nearly come to breaking point and she is brave throughout. A great read.I recommend this book to other readers.
December 15, 2022
Excellent book!! Stayed up way too late because I HAD to find out what happened! Ida makes the characters real people with real problems. The historical aspect is a wonderful added bonus which I love!! A MUST READ!
June 22, 2025
This book was a good, enjoyable read. It really illustrated the stark reality of living conditions that many people faced during the depression years. The author also gave each character some depth and the reader is left caring for each one.
October 13, 2025
Wonderfully written
Tears, joy, sadness, determination, God’s never failing presence. This book was a blessing to read. Family and faith in God and each other made for an enjoyable read.
Tears, joy, sadness, determination, God’s never failing presence. This book was a blessing to read. Family and faith in God and each other made for an enjoyable read.
July 6, 2024
Every character in this book was gripping and had me invested in their future. I had trouble putting this title down until I learned their fates. Epic, uplifting, and memorable!
January 14, 2025
fascinating to read.
A wonderful coming of age novel. I couldn’t put it down until I finished. I highly recommend it for reading in our book club.
A wonderful coming of age novel. I couldn’t put it down until I finished. I highly recommend it for reading in our book club.
July 1, 2025
Highly recommended
A Christian heartwarming story of perseverance, faith and family. Set in the Great Depression about loss and love with Jesus all things are better
A Christian heartwarming story of perseverance, faith and family. Set in the Great Depression about loss and love with Jesus all things are better
October 20, 2025
loved this book
Wow what a beautifully written book! Loved it from the beginning to the beginning. I hope you have more books like this.
Wow what a beautifully written book! Loved it from the beginning to the beginning. I hope you have more books like this.
February 19, 2023
Teddy’s incessant barking alerts Eleanor Cruthers to possible danger, but she can’t convince anyone in her family of eight to investigate. While they tend their fields, a suspicious fire sweeps through the house and barn. With everything gone, including Teddy, the 10-year-old blames herself for the losses, a guilt that only deepens when the family has no choice but to move west from Idaho to Spokane, where her aunt lives. The farm is all Eleanor has known. She wants to rebuild, but they can’t. Her father reassures her that this is a new adventure, a chance to try a new way of living, but it’s 1931. Businesses have shuttered. No one is hiring. Everyone wants them to go home, including her aunt. Instead of a sturdy house, warm clothing, and good food, the Cruthers are forced to live in a shantytown, a dangerous place for children and women left alone where desperate men who ride the rails prey.
Loss is life-altering, which Smith deftly demonstrates as readers experience a gamut of emotions from despair to hope as this story progresses through the first half of the Great Depression. By setting the story in Washington, instead of California, she demonstrates the devastating reach of the economic downturn. While there is no answer to why God permits these experiences, each character grows and changes in different ways, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. The predicaments they face – hunger, disease, harassment, greed, intolerance, mental illness, brutal cold, tragic accidents – are realistic and haunting. Despite these adversities, this historical novel is more than a struggle to survive. It is a story of love, redemption, and resilience and readers will readily identify with the experiences the characters face.
This review originally appeared in Historical Novels Review (issue 103, February 2023) at
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
Loss is life-altering, which Smith deftly demonstrates as readers experience a gamut of emotions from despair to hope as this story progresses through the first half of the Great Depression. By setting the story in Washington, instead of California, she demonstrates the devastating reach of the economic downturn. While there is no answer to why God permits these experiences, each character grows and changes in different ways, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. The predicaments they face – hunger, disease, harassment, greed, intolerance, mental illness, brutal cold, tragic accidents – are realistic and haunting. Despite these adversities, this historical novel is more than a struggle to survive. It is a story of love, redemption, and resilience and readers will readily identify with the experiences the characters face.
This review originally appeared in Historical Novels Review (issue 103, February 2023) at
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
February 17, 2023
An excellent novel that shows how a family with five children,that lost their home & everything they owned to a raging fire set by two "down on their luck" men went on to exist & endure their lives, even though they lost the family farm & almost the family dog.
They moved to a large city & lived in what was called a hobo camp for almost a yr.before Providence smiled on them & the father was offered a job,as head of maintenance at a large,area hospital.The job even included a nice home with modern conveniences, which were electricity running water & a bathroom.The family farm had none of these & even though they still missed their life in Idaho,they
were thrilled.
This story,which takes place during the Depression,shows just what many families had to endure & that life was very hard for most.
"Ida Smith" is amazing for the way,she makes all the characters come alive & to the choices that they made to live each day,to the fullest.
This story was especially interesting to me,as my mother was born in 1926, lived in Chicago & there were so many similarities between the stories that she told my siblings & myself & the stories within these pages.
If you are interested in this era,or just want to read a fine story.Do yourself a favor & pick up a copy.
They moved to a large city & lived in what was called a hobo camp for almost a yr.before Providence smiled on them & the father was offered a job,as head of maintenance at a large,area hospital.The job even included a nice home with modern conveniences, which were electricity running water & a bathroom.The family farm had none of these & even though they still missed their life in Idaho,they
were thrilled.
This story,which takes place during the Depression,shows just what many families had to endure & that life was very hard for most.
"Ida Smith" is amazing for the way,she makes all the characters come alive & to the choices that they made to live each day,to the fullest.
This story was especially interesting to me,as my mother was born in 1926, lived in Chicago & there were so many similarities between the stories that she told my siblings & myself & the stories within these pages.
If you are interested in this era,or just want to read a fine story.Do yourself a favor & pick up a copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
A very good book but...
This book told some invaluable lessons about life and priorities, yet I don't particularly like the religious proselytizing. As much as religion can be a positive influence on lives & society as a whole, it only serves, imho, to divide people who don't have the same belief systems, with conservative Christianity's emphasis on forgiveness of sin, accepting Jesus as your personal Savior, and having been raised in that kind of environment, it seemed to me to depend on dogma that must be followed before one can "enter the Kingdom of Heaven. While almost all who have " crossed over" during a near-death experience, which, if truth be told, is more of a real clinical death experience from which one returns,v tells of something completely different in that there is no "final judgement" and is not incumbent on any particular profession of faith. I'm say that to say this, there are many real life lessons in this moving account of depression era deprivation, without the added emphasis on acceptance of Jesus as your Savior. What I would add too is where's the discussion about those evil men, the bankers with no soul who caused this sorry state of economic affairs in the first place?
This book told some invaluable lessons about life and priorities, yet I don't particularly like the religious proselytizing. As much as religion can be a positive influence on lives & society as a whole, it only serves, imho, to divide people who don't have the same belief systems, with conservative Christianity's emphasis on forgiveness of sin, accepting Jesus as your personal Savior, and having been raised in that kind of environment, it seemed to me to depend on dogma that must be followed before one can "enter the Kingdom of Heaven. While almost all who have " crossed over" during a near-death experience, which, if truth be told, is more of a real clinical death experience from which one returns,v tells of something completely different in that there is no "final judgement" and is not incumbent on any particular profession of faith. I'm say that to say this, there are many real life lessons in this moving account of depression era deprivation, without the added emphasis on acceptance of Jesus as your Savior. What I would add too is where's the discussion about those evil men, the bankers with no soul who caused this sorry state of economic affairs in the first place?
September 13, 2024
What a profoundly painful and deeply compassionate look into the Great Depression of the 1930s in the Pacific Northwest. Smith writes with such vividness that I found myself crying over this fictional family, experiencing the grief of loss and the pain of injustice right alongside them. Not to mention the fear of starvation, the conundrum of staying together versus seeking employment where room and board would be provided. Then there's the faith component: how can a God who is called good, allow so much pain?
Smith is gentle in her treatment of faith while still presenting truth firmly and unashamedly.
Each family member has their own personal struggle to overcome within the scope of the larger family experience; this is a longer story, but story well-told nonetheless.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Smith is gentle in her treatment of faith while still presenting truth firmly and unashamedly.
Each family member has their own personal struggle to overcome within the scope of the larger family experience; this is a longer story, but story well-told nonetheless.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
January 21, 2025
Depression affects entire family
Overall I felt the author did a good job of showing how the downturn of circumstances led to this family's struggle to survive.After losing their home to fire and most of their belongings to theft they moved to Spokane to find a way to make a living.With very limited work to be had and no place to live other than a hobbled together shanty the family faced starvation and freezing till wandering into a church brought food and salvation. My criticism is that a lot of Christian teaching helps everyone but at times is a bit preachy.Not everyone is open to this.I enjoyed the character development and the storyline.
Overall I felt the author did a good job of showing how the downturn of circumstances led to this family's struggle to survive.After losing their home to fire and most of their belongings to theft they moved to Spokane to find a way to make a living.With very limited work to be had and no place to live other than a hobbled together shanty the family faced starvation and freezing till wandering into a church brought food and salvation. My criticism is that a lot of Christian teaching helps everyone but at times is a bit preachy.Not everyone is open to this.I enjoyed the character development and the storyline.
September 25, 2024
Received the book for a voluntary and honest review.
I could not put the book down. The story drew me in and I didn’t want to let go.
The Cruthers family during the Great Depression of the 1930's struggles to survive after losing their farm in Idaho. Charles, Shannon, Rose, William, Eleanor, Mitchell, Raymond, and Lilly all have their own battles and struggles, but through their love for each other and their belief in God, they survive and thrive.
The book is entertaining, exciting, and thoughtful. It was a very enjoyable book.
I could not put the book down. The story drew me in and I didn’t want to let go.
The Cruthers family during the Great Depression of the 1930's struggles to survive after losing their farm in Idaho. Charles, Shannon, Rose, William, Eleanor, Mitchell, Raymond, and Lilly all have their own battles and struggles, but through their love for each other and their belief in God, they survive and thrive.
The book is entertaining, exciting, and thoughtful. It was a very enjoyable book.
December 28, 2025
Very good story
The story itself is as very good . I did feel like there was some plot holes . I would have liked to understand the relationship between Shannon and Fiona and why it was the why it was. I just felt there were some things left unanswered. I really enjoyed following the journey of the family but there towards the end it got very very heavy on the religious side of things and I felt like it was overshadowing the actual story.
The story itself is as very good . I did feel like there was some plot holes . I would have liked to understand the relationship between Shannon and Fiona and why it was the why it was. I just felt there were some things left unanswered. I really enjoyed following the journey of the family but there towards the end it got very very heavy on the religious side of things and I felt like it was overshadowing the actual story.
February 19, 2024
I so thoroughly enjoyed Guarding What Remains.
I am a big fan of historical fiction. Ida Smith's writing brought to entire family to life. The struggles and hardships of living through the Great Depression were tremendous. This story made me laugh and cry right along with the family.
Well Done, Ms. Smith!
Please write more stories like this!
I am a big fan of historical fiction. Ida Smith's writing brought to entire family to life. The struggles and hardships of living through the Great Depression were tremendous. This story made me laugh and cry right along with the family.
Well Done, Ms. Smith!
Please write more stories like this!
January 9, 2026
Depression years
This was a good story. Made me think of the hardships my Grandparents suffered through. They went to California and worked in the Citrus groves. Lemon Grove California to be exact. Life wasn't as desparate for them as it was for these folks and I have to admit parts of it made me cry but it told of the suffering these people went through. Good read.
This was a good story. Made me think of the hardships my Grandparents suffered through. They went to California and worked in the Citrus groves. Lemon Grove California to be exact. Life wasn't as desparate for them as it was for these folks and I have to admit parts of it made me cry but it told of the suffering these people went through. Good read.
May 4, 2026
Amazing story of the struggles of a farm family during the depression. Through no fault of their own, they are thrown into the struggles of real life. They had it good on the farm, but someone ruined that for them and they had to leave and go to the city. What a story, I didn't want it to end, I wanted to keep following them and continue with what happens.
October 24, 2024
Hard times made real
Good story with good characters trying to manage in the great depression. The story is through Eleanor, 10 at the beginning and 13 by the end. It is set in Idaho and Washington. One feels empathy for the Caruthers family.
Good story with good characters trying to manage in the great depression. The story is through Eleanor, 10 at the beginning and 13 by the end. It is set in Idaho and Washington. One feels empathy for the Caruthers family.
May 17, 2025
Great book
Great family story survival during the depression. Very similar in values and content to Walton family stories and TV series. Story development progresses well and characters are different and interesting. A easy read and recommended for young adults especially.
Great family story survival during the depression. Very similar in values and content to Walton family stories and TV series. Story development progresses well and characters are different and interesting. A easy read and recommended for young adults especially.
August 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I cried at times, rejoiced at others- however the ending was absolutely horribly, abrupt. left a lot of loose ends. is William going to be with Clara? did Rose ever marry Liam? what became of Eleanor? Lilly? Mitchell?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews