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“Hope,” I thought. “What a small word for such a big thing.”
The broken world groans. Oh, for a beacon of light! Where is something to live for—to kindle the spark of excitement, to calm the heart, to impart love, joy, and peace—and perhaps to shine the light of God’s glory on earth as in heaven?
Hope.
In these twenty-two sweet stories and poems, experience the dawning of a sure, unfailing hope. Join a plethora of relatable characters young and old in their journey through the heights and depths of suffering—a cancer diagnosis, a shocking accident, the loss of a dear family member. Wrestle with the agony of a missing loved one, an unavoidable mortgage, or a tough move. Experience the ache of rejection and loneliness, misunderstanding and oppression, and illnesses both physical and mental. Yet in the midst of each heartache winds a strong, undying cord of hope—that light in the darkness, that beacon, that anchor of the soul. As you smile, cry, and sigh through each heartfelt piece, perhaps you too will grasp ahold of your own hope again.
For our God is our glorious Hope.
The broken world groans. Oh, for a beacon of light! Where is something to live for—to kindle the spark of excitement, to calm the heart, to impart love, joy, and peace—and perhaps to shine the light of God’s glory on earth as in heaven?
Hope.
In these twenty-two sweet stories and poems, experience the dawning of a sure, unfailing hope. Join a plethora of relatable characters young and old in their journey through the heights and depths of suffering—a cancer diagnosis, a shocking accident, the loss of a dear family member. Wrestle with the agony of a missing loved one, an unavoidable mortgage, or a tough move. Experience the ache of rejection and loneliness, misunderstanding and oppression, and illnesses both physical and mental. Yet in the midst of each heartache winds a strong, undying cord of hope—that light in the darkness, that beacon, that anchor of the soul. As you smile, cry, and sigh through each heartfelt piece, perhaps you too will grasp ahold of your own hope again.
For our God is our glorious Hope.
267 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2021
About the author
Angie Thompson
51 books1,114 followersAn avid reader and incurable story-spinner, Angie Thompson also enjoys volunteering in her church’s children’s program and starting (but not always finishing) various kinds of craft projects. She currently lives in central Virginia near most of her incredible family, including two parents, six brothers, one sister, and six siblings-in-law—plus four nieces, ten nephews, and several assorted pets!
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 27, 2024
5+ stars (6/10 hearts). Oh my heart. This book is just gorgeous and so, so filled with hope!! It was such a wonderful, encouraging read, full of wonderful characters + families. I teared up over several of these stories! It’s just such a peaceful and hopeful and happy collection… As someone who struggles constantly with anxiety and depression, I found this book full of little nuggets of hope. It’s definitely a book I’ll be pulling out sometime when I feel blue.
A Personification of Hope by Jae Fisher
4 stars. A lovely poem, full of imagery and delicacy… I enjoyed it.
Her smile is always on her face,
Even in the darkest of days…
Missing, Not Dead by Karlissa R. Mattson
4 stars. Aw, this story is so sweet and funny! I loved the children; they were all so real. The story made me chuckle. ;)
The Reeds firmly held on, hoping and praying faithfully. As Jim’s family, they would never stop.
Hope’s Treasure by Kearra R. Mattson
3 stars. A cute little story, with some delightful characters. I particularly liked Cody. ;)
“She’s my dream, Mom, my answer to prayer. God let my hope come true.”
A Man & a Brother by Angie Thompson
5 stars. Ahh, another lovely addition to the Quiet Valor books! This one comes right after A Threat & a Promise and it was delightful. Inger was a wonderful woman; and I liked Althur; and I enjoyed seeing Eben & Rolfe! ;) ;) There was a lovely message too <3
“Althur’s failing was in letting go of hope. But how much better are we?”
Choices by P.D. Atkerson
4 stars. We also know I’m a fan of the AKA Simon Lee/Deadlock series. This is Pastor Jonathan’s perspective of an important happening set after Exploit ... ;) I enjoyed seeing Gregory from another POV!
After everything the boy had been through, if their moving there brought hope into his life, Jonathan would gladly do it again.
Sing a Song Again by Katja H. Labonté
I won’t rate this one because it’s mine, but I love it. This story is a very personal one with a good deal of my own experiences and feelings in it. It still makes me cry… I hope it can be a blessing and an encouragement to someone!
“And that, my dear, is hope—the belief that good will come no matter what.”
What Matters Most by Aurora Currier
3 stars. This is a very short story but sweet and hopeful <3
All the years of anger and strife between them, all the fights … everything was gone, washed away by tears of forgiveness.
Keeping Up Hope by Rebekah A. Morris
4.5 stars. This is an abridged version of Keeping Up Hope. It’s very sweet and old-fashioned and encouraging, just delightful! Jolie & Ellianna are adorable and Stephen is such a wonderful big brother ;) And their town!! So lovely!
“Hope makes not ashamed. I won’t give up hope yet. God hasn’t forsaken us and He won’t forsake us now! Keep your hope up, Mama.”
On the Wings of Hope by Deigan Marie
4 stars. Such a sweet little story, very real and encouraging! I love how it included Emily Dickinson’s “Hope” poem <3 and how it included writing!
“Keep on hoping, Jasmine. Even when the days seem dark. Don’t ever lose heart.”
Wordless Hope by Martha Abilene
5 stars. Ohhh, I loved this story! I downright cried over it. It was so encouraging and beautiful and full of HOPE… ahhh, so good, so GOOD. I identified with Nora… and her sister was amazing <3
All they needed to do was be still and know that whatever happened, no matter how tragic it seemed, God would work it all out for their good.
Have Hope by Jovey L.
4 stars. A lovely little story about friendship & hope & writing. <3 Olivia + Jessie’s friendship was so sweet, and I loved watching them together!
I learned to always have hope, because with God, nothing is impossible.
Sea of an Unknown Future by Savannah Dawn Marie
5 stars. What a beautiful poem… one I really identified with and cried over ;) I think a lot of young adults would appreciate this one...
You know the plans You have for me
(I know right now I don’t need to know.),
Plans for my welfare and not for calamity
To give me a future and a hope.
His Embrace by Clarissa Choo
4.5 stars. Another lovely poem, encouraging poem… <3 No other words really…
An embrace
in an eternal place
free of grief and pain.
Hope.
Dare to Hope by M.L. Milligan
3 stars. A fun fantasy story with a good message, and quite well done for such a tiny format!
It was times like this one when he dared to dream of the impossible…. It was when his heart dared to hope.
Her Name was Hope by Jacie T.
3 stars. A very short story, but sweet, and with a sweet message. ;)
“I have hope in Jesus, and with that hope I know I will see [him] again and I don’t have to wish him back...”
Looking Up by Olivia Godfrey
4.5 stars. I loved the message of this story… it was so good. Dane & Penny were great characters and I was inspired by the grit and resolution they displayed in such a hard time!
“Dane, it’s not a matter of knowing when things get better, just trusting that they will…. That’s what hope is. When life looks bad, that’s what we lean on.”
Whose Hope He Is by Erika Mathews
5 stars. It’s no secret I love the Truth From Taerna books, and this one, set five years after Promise’s Prayer, isn’t an exception. I loved it so, so much… It was just so full of encouraging truth and hope!!
And since each of them had rooted their souls in Adon Olam as their hope, they found that in every circumstance of life, He was enough.
The Meaning of Resurrection by Chelsea Burden
5 stars. I cried over this one shamelessly. THE POEM. Oh, the poem. That is one of my favourites now. It is so good, so beautiful, so well done, so full of truth… The message of this story is wonderful.
And with them I lift my witness,
Breathing hope to all who crave:
“There can be no resurrection
Where there never was a grave!”
A Hope to Trust by Courtenay Burden
5 stars. Courtenay Burden is the only modern author I know whose books feel exactly like they were written two hundred years ago—and I don’t say that lightly. I loved the voice of this story, the characters, the message… <3
“Trust Me. Trust Me enough to hope, even when all the world is dark besides. Trust Me, like Abraham, ‘who against hope believe in hope.’”
Hope Assured by Brooklyn O’Brennan
3.5 stars. This was a very realistic story, portraying very well the depths of despair one can fall in… and how important Hope is… and how to find it again. <3
God is my Hope. He is the Hope that will keep me going. Hope that I’ll one day wake in His presence and be gone from this world of pain.
Look to the Wildflowers by Tiffany Michele
4.5 stars. Such a funny, sarcastic, light-hearted, yet deep story with excellent characters and a great message…
“So, how did she get over the block?”
“Simple enough. She went on a hope hunt.”
Redeemed by Brooklyn Kramer
5 stars. This story reminded me of “Avalon” and “The Sword, the Ring, & the Parchment,” two of my favourite allegories. It was beautiful, so beautiful! Reminded me again how full of HOPE salvation is...
She remembered the One who called her beloved and gave her a life worth living. She fought for the One who set her free of the evil that once consumed her...
*I received a free copy of this book and was not required to write a review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
A Personification of Hope by Jae Fisher
4 stars. A lovely poem, full of imagery and delicacy… I enjoyed it.
Her smile is always on her face,
Even in the darkest of days…
Missing, Not Dead by Karlissa R. Mattson
4 stars. Aw, this story is so sweet and funny! I loved the children; they were all so real. The story made me chuckle. ;)
The Reeds firmly held on, hoping and praying faithfully. As Jim’s family, they would never stop.
Hope’s Treasure by Kearra R. Mattson
3 stars. A cute little story, with some delightful characters. I particularly liked Cody. ;)
“She’s my dream, Mom, my answer to prayer. God let my hope come true.”
A Man & a Brother by Angie Thompson
5 stars. Ahh, another lovely addition to the Quiet Valor books! This one comes right after A Threat & a Promise and it was delightful. Inger was a wonderful woman; and I liked Althur; and I enjoyed seeing Eben & Rolfe! ;) ;) There was a lovely message too <3
“Althur’s failing was in letting go of hope. But how much better are we?”
Choices by P.D. Atkerson
4 stars. We also know I’m a fan of the AKA Simon Lee/Deadlock series. This is Pastor Jonathan’s perspective of an important happening set after Exploit ... ;) I enjoyed seeing Gregory from another POV!
After everything the boy had been through, if their moving there brought hope into his life, Jonathan would gladly do it again.
Sing a Song Again by Katja H. Labonté
I won’t rate this one because it’s mine, but I love it. This story is a very personal one with a good deal of my own experiences and feelings in it. It still makes me cry… I hope it can be a blessing and an encouragement to someone!
“And that, my dear, is hope—the belief that good will come no matter what.”
What Matters Most by Aurora Currier
3 stars. This is a very short story but sweet and hopeful <3
All the years of anger and strife between them, all the fights … everything was gone, washed away by tears of forgiveness.
Keeping Up Hope by Rebekah A. Morris
4.5 stars. This is an abridged version of Keeping Up Hope. It’s very sweet and old-fashioned and encouraging, just delightful! Jolie & Ellianna are adorable and Stephen is such a wonderful big brother ;) And their town!! So lovely!
“Hope makes not ashamed. I won’t give up hope yet. God hasn’t forsaken us and He won’t forsake us now! Keep your hope up, Mama.”
On the Wings of Hope by Deigan Marie
4 stars. Such a sweet little story, very real and encouraging! I love how it included Emily Dickinson’s “Hope” poem <3 and how it included writing!
“Keep on hoping, Jasmine. Even when the days seem dark. Don’t ever lose heart.”
Wordless Hope by Martha Abilene
5 stars. Ohhh, I loved this story! I downright cried over it. It was so encouraging and beautiful and full of HOPE… ahhh, so good, so GOOD. I identified with Nora… and her sister was amazing <3
All they needed to do was be still and know that whatever happened, no matter how tragic it seemed, God would work it all out for their good.
Have Hope by Jovey L.
4 stars. A lovely little story about friendship & hope & writing. <3 Olivia + Jessie’s friendship was so sweet, and I loved watching them together!
I learned to always have hope, because with God, nothing is impossible.
Sea of an Unknown Future by Savannah Dawn Marie
5 stars. What a beautiful poem… one I really identified with and cried over ;) I think a lot of young adults would appreciate this one...
You know the plans You have for me
(I know right now I don’t need to know.),
Plans for my welfare and not for calamity
To give me a future and a hope.
His Embrace by Clarissa Choo
4.5 stars. Another lovely poem, encouraging poem… <3 No other words really…
An embrace
in an eternal place
free of grief and pain.
Hope.
Dare to Hope by M.L. Milligan
3 stars. A fun fantasy story with a good message, and quite well done for such a tiny format!
It was times like this one when he dared to dream of the impossible…. It was when his heart dared to hope.
Her Name was Hope by Jacie T.
3 stars. A very short story, but sweet, and with a sweet message. ;)
“I have hope in Jesus, and with that hope I know I will see [him] again and I don’t have to wish him back...”
Looking Up by Olivia Godfrey
4.5 stars. I loved the message of this story… it was so good. Dane & Penny were great characters and I was inspired by the grit and resolution they displayed in such a hard time!
“Dane, it’s not a matter of knowing when things get better, just trusting that they will…. That’s what hope is. When life looks bad, that’s what we lean on.”
Whose Hope He Is by Erika Mathews
5 stars. It’s no secret I love the Truth From Taerna books, and this one, set five years after Promise’s Prayer, isn’t an exception. I loved it so, so much… It was just so full of encouraging truth and hope!!
And since each of them had rooted their souls in Adon Olam as their hope, they found that in every circumstance of life, He was enough.
The Meaning of Resurrection by Chelsea Burden
5 stars. I cried over this one shamelessly. THE POEM. Oh, the poem. That is one of my favourites now. It is so good, so beautiful, so well done, so full of truth… The message of this story is wonderful.
And with them I lift my witness,
Breathing hope to all who crave:
“There can be no resurrection
Where there never was a grave!”
A Hope to Trust by Courtenay Burden
5 stars. Courtenay Burden is the only modern author I know whose books feel exactly like they were written two hundred years ago—and I don’t say that lightly. I loved the voice of this story, the characters, the message… <3
“Trust Me. Trust Me enough to hope, even when all the world is dark besides. Trust Me, like Abraham, ‘who against hope believe in hope.’”
Hope Assured by Brooklyn O’Brennan
3.5 stars. This was a very realistic story, portraying very well the depths of despair one can fall in… and how important Hope is… and how to find it again. <3
God is my Hope. He is the Hope that will keep me going. Hope that I’ll one day wake in His presence and be gone from this world of pain.
Look to the Wildflowers by Tiffany Michele
4.5 stars. Such a funny, sarcastic, light-hearted, yet deep story with excellent characters and a great message…
“So, how did she get over the block?”
“Simple enough. She went on a hope hunt.”
Redeemed by Brooklyn Kramer
5 stars. This story reminded me of “Avalon” and “The Sword, the Ring, & the Parchment,” two of my favourite allegories. It was beautiful, so beautiful! Reminded me again how full of HOPE salvation is...
She remembered the One who called her beloved and gave her a life worth living. She fought for the One who set her free of the evil that once consumed her...
*I received a free copy of this book and was not required to write a review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
November 11, 2021
(An abridged version of one of my stories is in this collection, but I did not read it nor did I consider it for my rating and review.)
This collection was an enjoyable read. I liked that each story or poem deals with hope and offers hope. Some stories I liked better than others, but that’s to be expected. Some made me want to offer a hug, others had me smiling. It was fun to read stories from new authors and some from authors who have been writing for a while. Since there were so many stories in the collection, I decided not to try and rate and review each one.
This collection was an enjoyable read. I liked that each story or poem deals with hope and offers hope. Some stories I liked better than others, but that’s to be expected. Some made me want to offer a hug, others had me smiling. It was fun to read stories from new authors and some from authors who have been writing for a while. Since there were so many stories in the collection, I decided not to try and rate and review each one.
February 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, especially since I spent the November camp getting to know a lot of these girls and then reading the stories they had written was even more special!
I thoroughly enjoyed every story in this book! Each one is full of truth, making this collection a truly precious gem!
I rated each story based on personal enjoyment and adding them all up and averaging them out brings this book to 4 hearts!
Now to go through all twenty-four stories would take much to long, so I'm going to share my thoughts on some of my favorite stories!
"keeping-up-hope-by-rebekah-a-morris"
Definitely a top favorite! Jolie and Ellie are the cutest little things ever and I just adored them! And Stephen is such a great big brother! (I'm always partial to big brother characters named Stephen, because I have one in my life 😊) The girl's misunderstanding was so creative and the cutest thing. Okay, honestly the whole story was just THE CUTEST THING!
"wordless-hope-by-martha-abilene"
This was so sweet! I think what I loved most about it was this quote:
'Livi smiled. “It’s always changing, isn’t it? Sometimes it confuses me. It seems like one thing for a second, but another the next second, depending on your perspective. But always—always you can look at it and know it’s a flower. No matter what color it looks like at the moment.”
This made no sense. What could Livi see in the painting that Nora could not? “I don’t under-th-tand,” Nora murmured, staring at the flower.
“Life has many colors,” Livi said. “They’re always changing. But no matter how you look at it, you can still see it’s God’s picture of your life. His plan. Sometimes it’s purple, full of peace and security. Sometimes it’s blue, full of sadness. But it’s always the same flower. The same divine plan. And God’s the artist.”'
"dare-to-hope-by-m-l-milligan"
I'm a sucker for fantasy, and this one was good. I really enjoyed seeing things from both Bryan's perspective and the sword's!
"looking-up-by-olivia-goodfrey"
I loved the post WWII time era! This story was so real - Olivia has a way with words! The father-son relationship was done so well, and their last conversation was so good. I love how this was inspired by stories the author's grandfather told her 😍
"a-hope-to-trust-by-courtney-burden"
Such a sweet story! So creative and Dr. Humphrey - I just want to give him a big bear hug! This story is fun and yet full of depth and truth!
"look-to-the-wildflowers-by-tiffany-michele"
This one is in a close competition for all-time favorite with Auntie Rebeckah's story! I loved it so much! Arty and her grandfather were both amazing characters and I loved how they both helped each other heal. I so want to see Arty's finished painting!
"redeemed-by-brooklyn-kramer"
And this one was a beautiful ending to a book on hope! I've read many allegories similar to this, but they never get old. I love how this one is a bit different - it doesn't end with the wedding and the beloved going to live with her prince, this one end where we are right now, with the beloved waiting for her prince. She's been redeemed and now she waits, hopeful.
"Her story was not over. Why, her story was just beginning."
I thoroughly enjoyed every story in this book! Each one is full of truth, making this collection a truly precious gem!
I rated each story based on personal enjoyment and adding them all up and averaging them out brings this book to 4 hearts!
Now to go through all twenty-four stories would take much to long, so I'm going to share my thoughts on some of my favorite stories!
"keeping-up-hope-by-rebekah-a-morris"
Definitely a top favorite! Jolie and Ellie are the cutest little things ever and I just adored them! And Stephen is such a great big brother! (I'm always partial to big brother characters named Stephen, because I have one in my life 😊) The girl's misunderstanding was so creative and the cutest thing. Okay, honestly the whole story was just THE CUTEST THING!
"wordless-hope-by-martha-abilene"
This was so sweet! I think what I loved most about it was this quote:
'Livi smiled. “It’s always changing, isn’t it? Sometimes it confuses me. It seems like one thing for a second, but another the next second, depending on your perspective. But always—always you can look at it and know it’s a flower. No matter what color it looks like at the moment.”
This made no sense. What could Livi see in the painting that Nora could not? “I don’t under-th-tand,” Nora murmured, staring at the flower.
“Life has many colors,” Livi said. “They’re always changing. But no matter how you look at it, you can still see it’s God’s picture of your life. His plan. Sometimes it’s purple, full of peace and security. Sometimes it’s blue, full of sadness. But it’s always the same flower. The same divine plan. And God’s the artist.”'
"dare-to-hope-by-m-l-milligan"
I'm a sucker for fantasy, and this one was good. I really enjoyed seeing things from both Bryan's perspective and the sword's!
"looking-up-by-olivia-goodfrey"
I loved the post WWII time era! This story was so real - Olivia has a way with words! The father-son relationship was done so well, and their last conversation was so good. I love how this was inspired by stories the author's grandfather told her 😍
"a-hope-to-trust-by-courtney-burden"
Such a sweet story! So creative and Dr. Humphrey - I just want to give him a big bear hug! This story is fun and yet full of depth and truth!
"look-to-the-wildflowers-by-tiffany-michele"
This one is in a close competition for all-time favorite with Auntie Rebeckah's story! I loved it so much! Arty and her grandfather were both amazing characters and I loved how they both helped each other heal. I so want to see Arty's finished painting!
"redeemed-by-brooklyn-kramer"
And this one was a beautiful ending to a book on hope! I've read many allegories similar to this, but they never get old. I love how this one is a bit different - it doesn't end with the wedding and the beloved going to live with her prince, this one end where we are right now, with the beloved waiting for her prince. She's been redeemed and now she waits, hopeful.
"Her story was not over. Why, her story was just beginning."
November 1, 2021
22 great short stories, and poems (though, I might be a bit biased with one of them😉).
For those of you who have read Deadlock might enjoy ‘Choices’, a short story from Jonathan Winfield’s POV.
For those of you who have read Deadlock might enjoy ‘Choices’, a short story from Jonathan Winfield’s POV.
December 7, 2022
What a lovely collection! Hope, written by some of my fellow KDWC-members, is a beautiful collection of short stories, all thoroughly different, covering many different genres, but all centred around one theme. I had the privilege of beta reading several of these stories, and I enjoyed them all so much.
Personification of Hope by Jae Fisher: 3 stars.
Missing, Not Dead by Karlissa R. Mattson: 4.5 stars. I beta read this one, and I really liked it! I was laughing out loud towards the end.
Hope’s Treasure by Kearra R. Mattson: 4.5 stars. What a sweet story!! I only wish it had been a bit longer…
A Man and a Brother by Angie Thompson: 4.5 stars. I haven’t read any of the Quiet Valor series before, so I was a bit confused as to the setting and background, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. It’s made me want to read more of the series, definitely…
Choices by P.D. Atkerson: 4 stars. While I didn’t quite agree with everything said in this story, it was great to see these amazing characters again… I love them all so much!
Sing a Song Again by Katja H. Labonté: 4 stars. This was such a sweet story! Proper (but short) review here
What Matters Most by Aurora Currier: 4.5 stars. This was the sweetest thing; it was just amazing!
Keeping Up Hope by Rebekah A. Morris: 4.5 stars. This was so sweet and I loved it so much! The two girls were absolute dears, and I want more about this family!
On the Wings of Hope by Deigan Marie: 4.5 stars. I LOVE how this story reflected the true story of the whole Hope collection! Very cleverly done!
Wordless Hope by Martha Abilene: 4.5 stars. This might have been my favourite of all the stories; it was soo sweet and well done! I related to the main character a lot, and it was just…perfect.
Have Hope by Jovey L: 3.5 stars. This was another that I beta read, and I enjoyed it.
Sea of an Unknown Future by Savannah Dawn Marie: 4 stars.
His Embrace by Clarissa Choo: 4 stars.
Dare to Hope by M.L. Milligan: DNF as I don’t read fantasy.
Her Name was Hope by Jacie T: 3 stars. A short story, but sweet.
Looking Up by Olivia Godfrey: 4 stars. I really liked this one!
Whose Hope He Is by Erika Mathews: I didn’t actually read this one, because I don’t read fantasy, and I haven’t read any of the Truth from Taerna series.
The Meaning of Resurrection by Chelsea Burden: 4 stars. Aside from the Easter side to this story, which I don’t agree with, this was a really sweet story, and I liked it a lot.
A Hope to Trust by Courtenay Burden: 4 stars. Wow, I really loved this! The writing style of the author is so lovely and old-fashioned; I could easily think I was reading a story written in the Victorian age. And the story was so nice! I would have loved it to be a full-length book. There was a character spoken about who never had anything to do with the plot, which confused me a little, as I thought he would. But that would be my only complaint. I really enjoyed this story!
Hope Assured by Brooklyn O’Brennan: 4.5 stars. I had the privilege of doing a lot of beta reading on this one, and I loved it so much. The author’s writing style is beautiful, and some of the phrases and sentences are just lovely. A heart-breaking story, but so sweet.
Look to the Wildflowers by Tiffany Michele: 4 stars. I wish the verse for this had been kept as KJV, but other than that, I really liked this story. I loved the main character, and I loved the conclusion.
Redeemed by Brooklyn Kramer: 3 stars. This is an allegory, and there are unfortunately several parts I wouldn’t agree with. However, I did like some parts of it, and it was very well-written.
I really loved reading stories by both some of my favourite authors and also some authors who are completely new to me. I can't wait for the next collection!
Note: As a member of KDWC, I received a free copy of this book. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Personification of Hope by Jae Fisher: 3 stars.
Missing, Not Dead by Karlissa R. Mattson: 4.5 stars. I beta read this one, and I really liked it! I was laughing out loud towards the end.
Hope’s Treasure by Kearra R. Mattson: 4.5 stars. What a sweet story!! I only wish it had been a bit longer…
A Man and a Brother by Angie Thompson: 4.5 stars. I haven’t read any of the Quiet Valor series before, so I was a bit confused as to the setting and background, but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. It’s made me want to read more of the series, definitely…
Choices by P.D. Atkerson: 4 stars. While I didn’t quite agree with everything said in this story, it was great to see these amazing characters again… I love them all so much!
Sing a Song Again by Katja H. Labonté: 4 stars. This was such a sweet story! Proper (but short) review here
What Matters Most by Aurora Currier: 4.5 stars. This was the sweetest thing; it was just amazing!
Keeping Up Hope by Rebekah A. Morris: 4.5 stars. This was so sweet and I loved it so much! The two girls were absolute dears, and I want more about this family!
On the Wings of Hope by Deigan Marie: 4.5 stars. I LOVE how this story reflected the true story of the whole Hope collection! Very cleverly done!
Wordless Hope by Martha Abilene: 4.5 stars. This might have been my favourite of all the stories; it was soo sweet and well done! I related to the main character a lot, and it was just…perfect.
Have Hope by Jovey L: 3.5 stars. This was another that I beta read, and I enjoyed it.
Sea of an Unknown Future by Savannah Dawn Marie: 4 stars.
His Embrace by Clarissa Choo: 4 stars.
Dare to Hope by M.L. Milligan: DNF as I don’t read fantasy.
Her Name was Hope by Jacie T: 3 stars. A short story, but sweet.
Looking Up by Olivia Godfrey: 4 stars. I really liked this one!
Whose Hope He Is by Erika Mathews: I didn’t actually read this one, because I don’t read fantasy, and I haven’t read any of the Truth from Taerna series.
The Meaning of Resurrection by Chelsea Burden: 4 stars. Aside from the Easter side to this story, which I don’t agree with, this was a really sweet story, and I liked it a lot.
A Hope to Trust by Courtenay Burden: 4 stars. Wow, I really loved this! The writing style of the author is so lovely and old-fashioned; I could easily think I was reading a story written in the Victorian age. And the story was so nice! I would have loved it to be a full-length book. There was a character spoken about who never had anything to do with the plot, which confused me a little, as I thought he would. But that would be my only complaint. I really enjoyed this story!
Hope Assured by Brooklyn O’Brennan: 4.5 stars. I had the privilege of doing a lot of beta reading on this one, and I loved it so much. The author’s writing style is beautiful, and some of the phrases and sentences are just lovely. A heart-breaking story, but so sweet.
Look to the Wildflowers by Tiffany Michele: 4 stars. I wish the verse for this had been kept as KJV, but other than that, I really liked this story. I loved the main character, and I loved the conclusion.
Redeemed by Brooklyn Kramer: 3 stars. This is an allegory, and there are unfortunately several parts I wouldn’t agree with. However, I did like some parts of it, and it was very well-written.
I really loved reading stories by both some of my favourite authors and also some authors who are completely new to me. I can't wait for the next collection!
Note: As a member of KDWC, I received a free copy of this book. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 25, 2021
Can’t believe I hadn’t posted this!! Anyway…
-cue fanfare, confetti throwing, and an extremely long, maybe a tad sappy in the first part, review-
Y’all! I’m not kidding when I say that I was dancing around, waving my phone in the air like a crazy person in my kitchen when I heard this was released. My husband and kids didn’t understand lol!
I mean who wouldn’t when it’s their debut into writing though?
Ahhh!! My name, my story, is in print 😭
The Kings Daughters Writing community has been such a blessing! I’ve learned and grown so much; in my walk with God, in writing, and in becoming friends with these lovely ladies!
Speaking of which, it makes unbiased reviewing so hard! For each story/poem, I could imagine what I know of each writer here as she typed and retyped, agonized, took apart and put back together their work as I did with mine. I did not realize the.. heart-and-soul for the writer, all hands-on-deck team process in editing, writing and presentation is. And my story was only 5,000 words! Maybe considered a couple chapters in full length work? It totally gives me appreciation for old school writing but just the work it takes for books being published(it may or may not make waiting for a sequel with an excruciating cliffhanger easier.. I said “appreciation”, that doesn’t mean I’m not still slightly impatient 😅🙈).
There were a couple stories I was sad to see unlisted, the collection would’ve been even better with them! ❤️
First off,
I loved the birds on the cover brought in as section/paragraph/POV breaks!!
Personally,
There were a few formatting things that struck me odd and I do have differing views on some of the doctrine of one or two of the stories…
But they all have such a resonating message pointing to Hope and I truly love that they’re brought here together!
Also so interesting to me that at least 3 of the stories featured an “Olivia”. Each time I saw the name I pretty much did a double take, “Oh look!” 😄😜
I started to rate them each individually, and perhaps I’ll add them later, but my absolute favorites were
A Man & A Brother-Angie Thompson
And
Look To The Wildflowers-Tiffany Michele
Oh man!! I will absolutely be upping Angie’s A Quiet Valor on my TBR list!
I think about Tiffany’s story off and on… 💛 it especially resonated with me having lost my grandpa this past year. I enjoy that along that vein, my own story in the collection is dedicated to him as one of the stories he used to tell was my inspiration.
This was such a fun and lovely experience! Loved these insights to a beautiful gift God’s given us through
Hope!
-cue fanfare, confetti throwing, and an extremely long, maybe a tad sappy in the first part, review-
Y’all! I’m not kidding when I say that I was dancing around, waving my phone in the air like a crazy person in my kitchen when I heard this was released. My husband and kids didn’t understand lol!
I mean who wouldn’t when it’s their debut into writing though?
Ahhh!! My name, my story, is in print 😭
The Kings Daughters Writing community has been such a blessing! I’ve learned and grown so much; in my walk with God, in writing, and in becoming friends with these lovely ladies!
Speaking of which, it makes unbiased reviewing so hard! For each story/poem, I could imagine what I know of each writer here as she typed and retyped, agonized, took apart and put back together their work as I did with mine. I did not realize the.. heart-and-soul for the writer, all hands-on-deck team process in editing, writing and presentation is. And my story was only 5,000 words! Maybe considered a couple chapters in full length work? It totally gives me appreciation for old school writing but just the work it takes for books being published(it may or may not make waiting for a sequel with an excruciating cliffhanger easier.. I said “appreciation”, that doesn’t mean I’m not still slightly impatient 😅🙈).
There were a couple stories I was sad to see unlisted, the collection would’ve been even better with them! ❤️
First off,
I loved the birds on the cover brought in as section/paragraph/POV breaks!!
Personally,
There were a few formatting things that struck me odd and I do have differing views on some of the doctrine of one or two of the stories…
But they all have such a resonating message pointing to Hope and I truly love that they’re brought here together!
Also so interesting to me that at least 3 of the stories featured an “Olivia”. Each time I saw the name I pretty much did a double take, “Oh look!” 😄😜
I started to rate them each individually, and perhaps I’ll add them later, but my absolute favorites were
A Man & A Brother-Angie Thompson
And
Look To The Wildflowers-Tiffany Michele
Oh man!! I will absolutely be upping Angie’s A Quiet Valor on my TBR list!
I think about Tiffany’s story off and on… 💛 it especially resonated with me having lost my grandpa this past year. I enjoy that along that vein, my own story in the collection is dedicated to him as one of the stories he used to tell was my inspiration.
This was such a fun and lovely experience! Loved these insights to a beautiful gift God’s given us through
Hope!
October 14, 2022
These are my reviews of my favorites
Missing, Not Dead
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was such a good story, and very well done! I almost cried at certain parts 🥰
Hope's Treasure
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, I'm a bit prejudiced, since Kearra R. Mattson is my best friend, but still. This was such a sweet story! 💙
A Man and a Brother
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Angie blew me away with this one. Incredibly well written, and beautifully executed 🤩.
Choices
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aww!!! Such a sweet little short story.
Sing a Song Again
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This one might just be my favorite 🥰🥰 A beautiful story.
Dare to Hope
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WHY ARE THERE ONLY FIVE STARS?!?!?!?!?! 😭😭🤣 I loved this story so, so much! I can never get enough of it. It inspires me to write well 🤩🤩
Hope Assured
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
😭😭Such a good and sad story!!
Redeemed
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautifully told story of God's true love for us 💙
Missing, Not Dead
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was such a good story, and very well done! I almost cried at certain parts 🥰
Hope's Treasure
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay, I'm a bit prejudiced, since Kearra R. Mattson is my best friend, but still. This was such a sweet story! 💙
A Man and a Brother
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Angie blew me away with this one. Incredibly well written, and beautifully executed 🤩.
Choices
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aww!!! Such a sweet little short story.
Sing a Song Again
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This one might just be my favorite 🥰🥰 A beautiful story.
Dare to Hope
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
WHY ARE THERE ONLY FIVE STARS?!?!?!?!?! 😭😭🤣 I loved this story so, so much! I can never get enough of it. It inspires me to write well 🤩🤩
Hope Assured
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
😭😭Such a good and sad story!!
Redeemed
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautifully told story of God's true love for us 💙
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews