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Having Hope
After being reunited with Adam Bridger, the missionary she waited for for two long years, Kit Matthews experiences feelings she cannot ignore promptings that take her halfway around the world. The strong connection she feels with orphans in Romania because of her own abandonment at birth draws Kit to Romania where she meets a Romanian medical student, Marcel and when Kit challenges Marcel to learn about the gospel, she has no idea of the doors she has opened. After learning of some disturbing news at home, Kit struggles to have hope that God is mindful of His children, and must decide between creating a new life in Romania and returning to repair her life in America.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 14, 2017
I enjoyed it, it made me tear up a couples. Kit faces a lot of heartbreaking experiences and real questions and I love how even though she experiences doubt like all of us, she also uses the light of the gospel to move forward.
August 17, 2020
This felt a little slower paced than the first one, but I still enjoyed it.
October 4, 2022
This was a worthy follow up to the original and does well highlight its title!
August 10, 2012
As I've mentioned in other reviews, there are some characters that I feel a special affinity for, that I really come to care about what happens to them. Kit is one of those characters. It didn't take me long into the first book before I really cared about Kit and what was going on in her life. The fact that the story is told by Kit herself adds to that closeness because I got to know not only what she said and did but what she thought and felt as well. Kit is a well-rounded character with both strengths and weaknesses making her easy to relate to. Not that I'm a lot like her, because I'm very different from her as a character, but because some of the things she struggled with are universal themes, such as where does one fit in one's family, what does one want to do with one's life, and what are one's beliefs about God.
I also enjoyed many of the secondary characters as well. Sometimes when a story is told from one person's point of view it can be easy for the secondary characters to be one-sided, but that is not the case here. Kit's boyfriend, Adam and his family, her parents and brother, and her best friend, Tara, all come to life on the pages. Sometimes they seemed so real that I almost expected them to come walking in the door.
The major plot line in this book revolves around Kit's traveling to Romania to volunteer in an orphanage and hospital there with Tara and a couple of other young ladies. Much happens to Kit while she's there, including the introduction of Marcel, who she has very conflicted feelings about. It was heart-breaking to read about the conditions in the hospital and orphanage, where the children often receive only the most basic of care. Following along as Kit serves these children and deals with the challenges of not only these children who have been abandoned but her own feelings about her own abandonment. I found it fascinating to read about the way Kit's various relationships ebbed and flowed through the story in very realistic and not always positive ways.
Overall, I'd say this is a tender story about growing up and dealing with the challenges of our own decisions but those of people we care about. This story is very much LDS fiction, but the religious aspects are beautifully integrated into the story. I liked how the author brought up different issues than in the first book.
I also enjoyed many of the secondary characters as well. Sometimes when a story is told from one person's point of view it can be easy for the secondary characters to be one-sided, but that is not the case here. Kit's boyfriend, Adam and his family, her parents and brother, and her best friend, Tara, all come to life on the pages. Sometimes they seemed so real that I almost expected them to come walking in the door.
The major plot line in this book revolves around Kit's traveling to Romania to volunteer in an orphanage and hospital there with Tara and a couple of other young ladies. Much happens to Kit while she's there, including the introduction of Marcel, who she has very conflicted feelings about. It was heart-breaking to read about the conditions in the hospital and orphanage, where the children often receive only the most basic of care. Following along as Kit serves these children and deals with the challenges of not only these children who have been abandoned but her own feelings about her own abandonment. I found it fascinating to read about the way Kit's various relationships ebbed and flowed through the story in very realistic and not always positive ways.
Overall, I'd say this is a tender story about growing up and dealing with the challenges of our own decisions but those of people we care about. This story is very much LDS fiction, but the religious aspects are beautifully integrated into the story. I liked how the author brought up different issues than in the first book.
January 31, 2011
Sometimes I think we read exactly what we need to at the exact time...this was one of those times. Again I've been struggling with depression and the first book, "finding Faith" really touched me and gave me renewed faith in my own beliefs and even strengthened my faith. Having Hope continued the story of Adam Bridger and Kit Carson.
Adam is now home and they are finally together. As with real life things don't always happen as we would like and they have to put off their official engagement because Adam's father losses his job and he must help support his family. Kit decides to go to Romania for 3 months to help with the orphans at the hospital and the orphanage. The separation is dreaded but both feel it is right and doable. Kit feels that she is supposed to go for a special reason and wonders if the attraction she feels for a handsome Romanian is that reason. She keeps Marcel's interest in her a secret from her 3 other American roommates and from Adam. She does confide in Tara when Marcel surprises her with a hasty proposal siting their joint desire to improve the lives of the orphans and the continued work they could do together. She actually considers it, but declines when she knows that she needs to go back to America and hopefully Adam. Lily, Adam's sister has been keeping her appraised to the happenings at home and the constant presence of Ruth with Adam. Kit then acknowledges her insecurities concerning her being "good enough" for Adam because of her infancy in the gospel and jealousy rears it's ugly head. Her parents also separate while she in gone and although she has an opportunity to share the gospel she is regretful that she didn't share it with her own family. After she returns home having learned alot of her blessings at having a family and people to love her, she returns to the problem of her fragmented family. Her and Adam are engaged, but what about her "eternal family" with her parents and brothers. She reads talks by the apostles and talks to the Bishop and decides that the blessings of eternity are still available even if other's choices make it impossible on earth. She marries Adam by elopement and finds the real hope for the future, her eternal future with her husband.
Adam is now home and they are finally together. As with real life things don't always happen as we would like and they have to put off their official engagement because Adam's father losses his job and he must help support his family. Kit decides to go to Romania for 3 months to help with the orphans at the hospital and the orphanage. The separation is dreaded but both feel it is right and doable. Kit feels that she is supposed to go for a special reason and wonders if the attraction she feels for a handsome Romanian is that reason. She keeps Marcel's interest in her a secret from her 3 other American roommates and from Adam. She does confide in Tara when Marcel surprises her with a hasty proposal siting their joint desire to improve the lives of the orphans and the continued work they could do together. She actually considers it, but declines when she knows that she needs to go back to America and hopefully Adam. Lily, Adam's sister has been keeping her appraised to the happenings at home and the constant presence of Ruth with Adam. Kit then acknowledges her insecurities concerning her being "good enough" for Adam because of her infancy in the gospel and jealousy rears it's ugly head. Her parents also separate while she in gone and although she has an opportunity to share the gospel she is regretful that she didn't share it with her own family. After she returns home having learned alot of her blessings at having a family and people to love her, she returns to the problem of her fragmented family. Her and Adam are engaged, but what about her "eternal family" with her parents and brothers. She reads talks by the apostles and talks to the Bishop and decides that the blessings of eternity are still available even if other's choices make it impossible on earth. She marries Adam by elopement and finds the real hope for the future, her eternal future with her husband.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2009
"Having Hope" is LDS author Terri Ferran's latest novel and is the sequel to "Finding Faith," which I reviewed here.
Kit Matthews has been waiting for her missionary for the last two years. During that time, she has grown in her own knowledge of the gospel and feels more comfortable with the whole Mormon culture that had her so baffled when she first moved to Utah. When Adam comes home, she hopes a proposal will come her way, but she's completely surprised to find her heart turning another direction - she is presented with the opportunity to go to Romania for a few months to help in the orphanages there. Herself an orphan who was adopted into a loving family, she feels the need to help these Romanian children in any way she can.
Of course, Adam will miss her while she's gone, but he understands this is something she needs to do. However, the distance between them physically soon puts distance between them emotionally as Kit receives e-mails from Adam's sister that a new girl has moved in on Adam's free time and seems to be pegging herself a spot in his family that used to be Kit's. As Kit falls more in love with the orphans she serves, she realizes there might be a place for her in Romania, and if a handsome medical student just happens to go along with the package, would that be so bad?
I appreciated this look into the Romanian orphanages and the trials these institutions face, with little operating money and so many children to care for. I was also pleased to see another installment in Kit's story. She's a character you think about long after the book has come to an end.
Kit Matthews has been waiting for her missionary for the last two years. During that time, she has grown in her own knowledge of the gospel and feels more comfortable with the whole Mormon culture that had her so baffled when she first moved to Utah. When Adam comes home, she hopes a proposal will come her way, but she's completely surprised to find her heart turning another direction - she is presented with the opportunity to go to Romania for a few months to help in the orphanages there. Herself an orphan who was adopted into a loving family, she feels the need to help these Romanian children in any way she can.
Of course, Adam will miss her while she's gone, but he understands this is something she needs to do. However, the distance between them physically soon puts distance between them emotionally as Kit receives e-mails from Adam's sister that a new girl has moved in on Adam's free time and seems to be pegging herself a spot in his family that used to be Kit's. As Kit falls more in love with the orphans she serves, she realizes there might be a place for her in Romania, and if a handsome medical student just happens to go along with the package, would that be so bad?
I appreciated this look into the Romanian orphanages and the trials these institutions face, with little operating money and so many children to care for. I was also pleased to see another installment in Kit's story. She's a character you think about long after the book has come to an end.
August 22, 2012
After reading the first two books in the Faith, Hope, and Charity series, I was completely wrapped up in the lives of Kit and her family and friends and couldn't wait to find out more!
Again, one my favorite parts about this book was Kit, the main character. I found her personality to be so "real". Many fictional characters are cut from the same perfect, cookie cutter mold. But Kit was unique in her imperfections and yet totally lifelike in her emotional insecurities. I could definitely relate to her jealousy of Ruth (even if it was unfounded), her annoyance at her roommates, and her innocent flirtations with Marcel.
Of course, Kit also has so many admirable qualities as well. I loved that she felt so strongly about helping others and actually had the desire and opportunity to do it. I've had those same feelings myself but have not been able to do something quite as dramatic as volunteering in a Romanian orphanage. It was nice to "live vicariously" through Kit and feel some of the emotions that she experienced while serving.
The plight of the Romanian orphans hit me hard and definitely made me emotional (probably because I have a 9-month old baby of my own). I would have felt like Kit, wanting to adopt all of them! Kit's relationship and connection with some of the children was especially tender and sweet. And what could have been an extremely depressing situation was actually turned into a story of hope as Kit begins to understand and comprehend the mercies of God.
Terri has once again created a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and rejoice with Kit as she continues her journey of "faith, hope, and charity".
Again, one my favorite parts about this book was Kit, the main character. I found her personality to be so "real". Many fictional characters are cut from the same perfect, cookie cutter mold. But Kit was unique in her imperfections and yet totally lifelike in her emotional insecurities. I could definitely relate to her jealousy of Ruth (even if it was unfounded), her annoyance at her roommates, and her innocent flirtations with Marcel.
Of course, Kit also has so many admirable qualities as well. I loved that she felt so strongly about helping others and actually had the desire and opportunity to do it. I've had those same feelings myself but have not been able to do something quite as dramatic as volunteering in a Romanian orphanage. It was nice to "live vicariously" through Kit and feel some of the emotions that she experienced while serving.
The plight of the Romanian orphans hit me hard and definitely made me emotional (probably because I have a 9-month old baby of my own). I would have felt like Kit, wanting to adopt all of them! Kit's relationship and connection with some of the children was especially tender and sweet. And what could have been an extremely depressing situation was actually turned into a story of hope as Kit begins to understand and comprehend the mercies of God.
Terri has once again created a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and rejoice with Kit as she continues her journey of "faith, hope, and charity".
February 7, 2010
I suppose you might said I had a lot of hope when I began reading this book, and for nearly all of it my hope for a great read was being fulfilled. I was interested in the story, the romance elements were believable, and for the most part I felt the character was believable, although at times a little annoying. It was toward the end of the book that I became disappointed. I felt the main character, Kit, was beating a dead horse in her dislike for Ruth. Although I can understand her concern, there was never any real new information to support her continued dislike for the woman when it came to the supposed relationship with Adam, especially since Adam's behavior never supported that concern. Once I reached the climax of the story I was ready for things to wind up and be done, but there were multiple chapters, new conflicts introduced and immediately resolved, and the tone in the last three chapters turned preachy. The sudden inclusion of journal entries and the quoted conference talk from Elder Oaks with complete scriptural references detracted from the voice of the story and pulled me completely out of the book. Even with all that said, I would recommend the book and the author, but I hope the next time she looks more closely at the ending of the book and makes sure it is just as sharp, interesting, and in voice at the rest of her novel.
February 2, 2020
Like I said about the prequel to this book, Finding Faith, the story was pretty realistic and made sense - which I find refreshing in LDS fiction. I felt like there were almost too many plots going on, though, and they were all wrapped up pretty quickly. Some of them weren't fully resolved though, which makes me think there may be a third book coming on this character. There could have been some additional editing, though. There were some pretty unnecessary descriptions and paragraphs that didn't add to the story. They were just extra.
December 19, 2014
I didn't love this book but I did enjoy reading it. It was a quick, cute, fun, clean read. I am still not sure about how I feel with the whole "Marcel" thing. I was not to happy with how Kit handled that whole situation, but was grateful she figured it out in the end. I had a friend serve a mission in Romania and the description in this book about the orphanages match my friends experiences. So sad! Anyway, fun book to put on my read shelf but not the read again shelf. :)
January 24, 2010
I'm not sure if there will be another book in this series, but I wasn't really satisfied with the way things ended. Kit and Adam do get married, but you never find out what happened to Kit's friend Claire that disappeared to California and you never find out what happens with Kit's parents - do they get divorced, reconcile, join the church?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2009
I think I liked this book so well was because it had a good story, but also because the story was honest. This author's writing style is subdued, but everything about it, including and beyond the testimony aspects, had the "ring of truth." It wasn't too saccharine, nor was it cavalier to sacred things. I completely recommend this book and it's predecessor, Finding Faith.
March 31, 2009
I am sure that this will be a great book. My aunt Terri is such an amazing aunt. She does so much for the family. With her first book, she did great. I am sure she will do an amazing job with this one. She always does.
September 7, 2009
I love the humor of the book and all the conflicts in it. Nothing better then a clean Mormon Novel! I just wish Clair came up in the book
--First finished book of my Freshman year of school--1st tri
--First finished book of my Freshman year of school--1st tri
January 27, 2010
I enjoyed this sequel, although not quite as much as the first book. Things happened too quickly for me and were resolved too fast. I do enjoy the author's writing style--I really felt like Kit was a friend of mine, telling me this story.
April 6, 2014
Once again, like in book one, this book read like a journal. That creates a somewhat slow pace to the story. I feel frustration with the character Kit. She did it in book 1 and again in book 2--can she stay committed when out of view? I knew girls like this. Anyway, this book was OK.
July 27, 2017
Great ending to the story of Kit and Adam. I had brief moments of concern as I read farther and farther into the book. Would happily ever after happen? Would everything fall apart? I finished satisfied and content.
April 26, 2009
I can't wait to get this book!! As soon as i can get to the Book store i will be reading it!! If it's anything like the first i will have a hard time to set it down!!
May 2, 2009
Not bad for a sequel. It made me wonder what experience that author had in order to write about the orphanages and hospitals of Romania. It seemed realistic to me.
August 25, 2009
This book is one of the best books I have ever read. It is the sequel to Finding Faith. So far I LOVE this book
December 18, 2009
I really enjoyed this story. It had a really good storyline that made me more aware of the orphans in Romania. This was a quick read for me. I would like to read more books written by Terri.
September 18, 2010
This was the sequel to Finding Faith. One of those LDS authored books that you would find in Desert Book. I can't lie, I am a sucker for a good mormon romance novel. I loved both of these books!
August 19, 2011
meh. Feels like I wasted my time.
August 25, 2012
I was skeptical before I started the book, but was hooked by page one! It's a Mormon romance with a little more substance than most.
November 12, 2010
I loved it!
April 19, 2017
Elder Adam Bridger, Kit's one and only is finally coming home. He has served two years, but it has felt like an eternity. As Adam returns, Kit is happier than ever. Things are going great as Kit continues college. Kit hears about a program to go to help orphans in Romania, and feels drawn to it. As Kit goes to Romania, she gets news that Adam is dating someone else, and her parents are getting a divorce. A young man named Marcel helps with the orphans and Kit and him become friends. As Marcel proposes unexpectedly, will Kit start a new life in Romania with Marcel, or go back to the states and pick up the pieces of her old one?
This book has many literary elements. Hyperbole's, alliterations, imagery, you name it. "Amanda couldn't have been more excited if she was announcing her own engagement." That sentence is a hyperbole because it is exaggerating how excited she is that a certain someone is going to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. "Well, I woke up so sick, you wouldn't believe it." Kit got really sick in Romania and refused to see the doctor until her roommates practically carried her out the door. When it says "so sick" that is considered an alliteration. Another sentence with an alliteration is "I was taking classes during the summer semester." "summer semester" is an alliteration.
I LOVED this book. I loved the first book Finding Faith, but this was AMAZING. I loved how there were so many plot twists to keep me entertained. I love how Kit and Adam all come to life and feel like I am watching them through words. I loved how well the book was written and how easy it was to visualize and understand. I can't wait to read Choosing Charity and learn more about Kit!! Everyone should read this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book has many literary elements. Hyperbole's, alliterations, imagery, you name it. "Amanda couldn't have been more excited if she was announcing her own engagement." That sentence is a hyperbole because it is exaggerating how excited she is that a certain someone is going to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. "Well, I woke up so sick, you wouldn't believe it." Kit got really sick in Romania and refused to see the doctor until her roommates practically carried her out the door. When it says "so sick" that is considered an alliteration. Another sentence with an alliteration is "I was taking classes during the summer semester." "summer semester" is an alliteration.
I LOVED this book. I loved the first book Finding Faith, but this was AMAZING. I loved how there were so many plot twists to keep me entertained. I love how Kit and Adam all come to life and feel like I am watching them through words. I loved how well the book was written and how easy it was to visualize and understand. I can't wait to read Choosing Charity and learn more about Kit!! Everyone should read this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews