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Hope in Cripple Creek #1
Hope in Cripple Creek
Tragedy strikes Katherine Matthews and the small town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. An epidemic teams her with an old enemy, Wyatt Sullivan, the town’s doctor. In the midst of desperation and death, Katherine has decisions to make. But she has no idea to what extent they will affect her daily life and livelihood.
The town is turned upside-down when the gold miners go on strike. The owners bring in outside reinforcements, ready to break the resolve of the Western Federation of Miners. Everything in an upheaval, Katherine faces a crisis of faith and hard choices. Will life ever be normal again?
The town is turned upside-down when the gold miners go on strike. The owners bring in outside reinforcements, ready to break the resolve of the Western Federation of Miners. Everything in an upheaval, Katherine faces a crisis of faith and hard choices. Will life ever be normal again?
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
About the author
Sara R. Turnquist
30 books486 followersI’m a coffee lovin’, word slinging, clean Historical Romance author whose super power is converting caffeine into novels. I love those odd tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That’s what inspires me. Well, that and a good love story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 21, 2017
Absolutely adored this book! Imagine if you combined When Calls The Heart by Debbie Macomber, Anne of Green Gables, and a Kate Alcott historical, and you've got this delightful story of a girl following her heart, even when it forges into the wild unknown. About halfway through I just started grinning and almost couldn't stop, except a few time when my eyes widened in shock. I couldn't put this one down. Romance, heartache, a headstrong heroine, and some twisty characters who don't know how to keep their hands to themselves, the bunch of them make up the fascinating little town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. The challenges that Katherine faces really spoke to my heart, and I think a lot of women will appreciate the struggle and how she manages it. It's a quick read with great pacing, lovely characters, a fun setting, and I wanted it to be longer. I cannot wait to read another Sara Turnquist novel! Grab this one, you will love it.
January 8, 2026
Justice for Timothy.
No but seriously, Timothy deserved a lot better. I could tell exactly where this story was going from about 1/4 of the way through and I was not excited, but I kept going to see what happened. Sure enough, it was a marriage of convenience plot that in my opinion did not make sense. Two people that insisted they didn't like each other, one of them believing she hated him and it was his fault for her friend dying? And are you trying to convince me that someone qualified to be a school teacher would not have thought ahead that adopting the children and getting married would affect her position at the school?
The subplot with the miners was not very interesting to me, truthfully. I confess that I skimmed a lot of the sections focusing on that because I wanted to get through it.
I only really finished the book for Timothy.
No but seriously, Timothy deserved a lot better. I could tell exactly where this story was going from about 1/4 of the way through and I was not excited, but I kept going to see what happened. Sure enough, it was a marriage of convenience plot that in my opinion did not make sense. Two people that insisted they didn't like each other, one of them believing she hated him and it was his fault for her friend dying? And are you trying to convince me that someone qualified to be a school teacher would not have thought ahead that adopting the children and getting married would affect her position at the school?
The subplot with the miners was not very interesting to me, truthfully. I confess that I skimmed a lot of the sections focusing on that because I wanted to get through it.
I only really finished the book for Timothy.
January 20, 2023
Katherine Mattews returned home to Cripple Creek, taking a position as a temporary school teacher. Family, some friends, and what she considered an enemy await.
The story is about past hurts, empathy, forgiveness, and unexpected love. It's also about relationships, town struggles, and blessings.
There are quite a few surprises, historical events which added to the story, and a lineup of great characters. Highly recommended.
The story is about past hurts, empathy, forgiveness, and unexpected love. It's also about relationships, town struggles, and blessings.
There are quite a few surprises, historical events which added to the story, and a lineup of great characters. Highly recommended.
August 13, 2025
Interesting story
The historical info on the strike and those first unions was interesting. Wyatt and Katherine's story is filled with angst. I liked how it ended. I wasn't surprised by Betsy's behaviour but was taken aback by the pastor's. Both his indifference to the plight of the children's future and then later with Katherine. David came across as a bit weak but he did change. As did Wyatt and Katherine. Towards the end things got a little rushed and changes in the characters happened very fast. We never did get to see them have a truly open conversation about all the issues. It was the rushed changes and the feeling of things been left unsaid, that lowered my rating to 3.
The historical info on the strike and those first unions was interesting. Wyatt and Katherine's story is filled with angst. I liked how it ended. I wasn't surprised by Betsy's behaviour but was taken aback by the pastor's. Both his indifference to the plight of the children's future and then later with Katherine. David came across as a bit weak but he did change. As did Wyatt and Katherine. Towards the end things got a little rushed and changes in the characters happened very fast. We never did get to see them have a truly open conversation about all the issues. It was the rushed changes and the feeling of things been left unsaid, that lowered my rating to 3.
April 20, 2018
Marriage of convenience and determination
Thus was a nice story that tied two completely different stories into one. On one side there was David and his conflict: to be a farmer or to be a miner. I liked how he held to his convictions. I enjoyed how his wife supported him through the miner's strike.
The other part of the story was about Katherine and her learning to forgive and let go of the past. I enjoyed watching her grow in her relationships and character.
Overall this was a good book. Once I got into the story it was hard to put down. There were times that it felt like the stories could be divided since they went in different directions. I think the theme was letting go of the past and moving forward. It was also about turning back to God and letting Him guide your life. I would recommend this to someone that wants a sense of hope and the knowledge that all things will work out.
Thus was a nice story that tied two completely different stories into one. On one side there was David and his conflict: to be a farmer or to be a miner. I liked how he held to his convictions. I enjoyed how his wife supported him through the miner's strike.
The other part of the story was about Katherine and her learning to forgive and let go of the past. I enjoyed watching her grow in her relationships and character.
Overall this was a good book. Once I got into the story it was hard to put down. There were times that it felt like the stories could be divided since they went in different directions. I think the theme was letting go of the past and moving forward. It was also about turning back to God and letting Him guide your life. I would recommend this to someone that wants a sense of hope and the knowledge that all things will work out.
August 14, 2024
Such a great read to get lost in. A young woman returning to her hometown after being away for education and then a job.
Katherine has returned home to take a temporary teaching job, but she is facing the demons of loosing her best friend.
Then we have the minister, a former schoolmate, and he is interested in his old friend, blooming romance?
There are also those whom Katherine believes are responsible for her loss, and one of them, now the town doctor, may hold the key to helping her with other children.
Wow, there is a lot going on here, also with Katherine's family, whom we get to know, but with this small town and the mines.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received this book through the Hope In Cripple Creek Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.
Katherine has returned home to take a temporary teaching job, but she is facing the demons of loosing her best friend.
Then we have the minister, a former schoolmate, and he is interested in his old friend, blooming romance?
There are also those whom Katherine believes are responsible for her loss, and one of them, now the town doctor, may hold the key to helping her with other children.
Wow, there is a lot going on here, also with Katherine's family, whom we get to know, but with this small town and the mines.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received this book through the Hope In Cripple Creek Launch Team, and was not required to give a positive review.
August 16, 2025
*sighs*
The first thing you must know before I write this review is that marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, so I was excited to read this one. I did like that portion, and I liked the adoption.
My first grievance was the slow pace. My second was that there were entirely too many POVs (which aided the slow pace). In the end, it just really didn’t hit for me. I found myself growing bored. Also I was struggling with the “love triangle”.
Content warnings: romance (including a “steamy” scene. It didn’t really bother me, but I’m an adult who has [unfortunately] read worse and was kinda bored at this point and was reading it very passively), sickness (if you have great sensitivity to that), and death.
The first thing you must know before I write this review is that marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, so I was excited to read this one. I did like that portion, and I liked the adoption.
My first grievance was the slow pace. My second was that there were entirely too many POVs (which aided the slow pace). In the end, it just really didn’t hit for me. I found myself growing bored. Also I was struggling with the “love triangle”.
Content warnings: romance (including a “steamy” scene. It didn’t really bother me, but I’m an adult who has [unfortunately] read worse and was kinda bored at this point and was reading it very passively), sickness (if you have great sensitivity to that), and death.
March 9, 2024
OK But Not What I Expected
This book was ok. The plot was interesting. The characters were mostly believable. But I had a hard time liking the heroine. This book should also be categorized as women’s fiction, rather than romance. There was a lot of extra stuff going on that had nothing to do with the hero and heroine. I’m also not a fan of love triangles and the back-and-forth between the MCs, especially when the latter is drawn out. And when I think about the things in the storyline which confused me, I can only remember one that ended up being clarified. I think, though, that if you are interested in Christian women’s fiction, you might like the book.
This book was ok. The plot was interesting. The characters were mostly believable. But I had a hard time liking the heroine. This book should also be categorized as women’s fiction, rather than romance. There was a lot of extra stuff going on that had nothing to do with the hero and heroine. I’m also not a fan of love triangles and the back-and-forth between the MCs, especially when the latter is drawn out. And when I think about the things in the storyline which confused me, I can only remember one that ended up being clarified. I think, though, that if you are interested in Christian women’s fiction, you might like the book.
September 15, 2025
I loved parts of Hope in Cripple Creek, especially the complicated relationship between Katherine, Wyatt, and Timothy. The pain of their past felt real, and my heart truly hurt for Timothy in the end. You could feel the chemistry between Katherine and Wyatt—something that seemed to always be hidden just beneath the surface.
The burdens of new parenthood and letting adult children make their own choices felt so authentic. My only hiccup was the shifts in POV to David and Mary. While that layer was important for world-building and highlighted troubles of the time period, it sometimes distracted me from the love story blooming between Wyatt and Katherine.
Aside from that, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable read!
The burdens of new parenthood and letting adult children make their own choices felt so authentic. My only hiccup was the shifts in POV to David and Mary. While that layer was important for world-building and highlighted troubles of the time period, it sometimes distracted me from the love story blooming between Wyatt and Katherine.
Aside from that, it’s a thoroughly enjoyable read!
August 17, 2024
A great story. This one has heartache, forgiveness, love, family, friendships, journeying through grief, and much more. Letting go of past memories and actions can be difficult. Life continues and the characters are drawn together in special ways. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
September 9, 2024
Great Story
As always I just love stories of the Old West…this was not a mail ordered bride story but of a young lady returning to her home town. Hired as a teacher for the remaining turn. Also a story about mining in Cripple Creek. It was like reading two stories in one. I loved this story!
As always I just love stories of the Old West…this was not a mail ordered bride story but of a young lady returning to her home town. Hired as a teacher for the remaining turn. Also a story about mining in Cripple Creek. It was like reading two stories in one. I loved this story!
August 17, 2025
3.5
A very wholesome, clean, sweet western romance. No games. No melodrama. Sincere. Genuine. What did bug me is the repeated plot of a super great guy bending over backward to take care of the girl and the girl acts like a diva, shrew or ingrate. The FMC wasn't that OTT, but that was the gist of her character. I get tired of it.
A very wholesome, clean, sweet western romance. No games. No melodrama. Sincere. Genuine. What did bug me is the repeated plot of a super great guy bending over backward to take care of the girl and the girl acts like a diva, shrew or ingrate. The FMC wasn't that OTT, but that was the gist of her character. I get tired of it.
December 9, 2023
Liked it
The characters were strong and lived through some sad and heartbreaking situations.
Some misunderstandings caused anger and and dislike
that should have been
resolved. Since it wasn't resolved, it festered and caused heartache.
But in romances, love solves all problems
The characters were strong and lived through some sad and heartbreaking situations.
Some misunderstandings caused anger and and dislike
that should have been
resolved. Since it wasn't resolved, it festered and caused heartache.
But in romances, love solves all problems
March 28, 2024
Wonderful Book
This book was a most wonderful read. It was full of tears, saddness, joy, and was an emotional rollercoaster. A Doctor, his wife, and adopted children worked hard to become a family.
emotional rollercoaster.
This book was a most wonderful read. It was full of tears, saddness, joy, and was an emotional rollercoaster. A Doctor, his wife, and adopted children worked hard to become a family.
emotional rollercoaster.
July 14, 2024
Can a teacher find live?
A dare as youngsters resulted in the death of Katherine's long time friend. As an adult and teacher she returns home where life takes several unexpected turns. Can Katherine find love and happiness?
A dare as youngsters resulted in the death of Katherine's long time friend. As an adult and teacher she returns home where life takes several unexpected turns. Can Katherine find love and happiness?
August 21, 2024
A page turning read
The story line never disappointed with several twists and turns. I looked forward to each evening and being able to read the book. Just when I thought I knew how the story was unraveling, it changed directions. A most enjoyable and intriguing read.
The story line never disappointed with several twists and turns. I looked forward to each evening and being able to read the book. Just when I thought I knew how the story was unraveling, it changed directions. A most enjoyable and intriguing read.
February 22, 2025
God prepares our steps
Love the story. Katherine wanted the children to have a home together and not thinking what being their mother would entail. Hurt and love from long ago keeps her from realizing the deep love for the she married.
Love the story. Katherine wanted the children to have a home together and not thinking what being their mother would entail. Hurt and love from long ago keeps her from realizing the deep love for the she married.
May 25, 2025
A teacher, a doctor, and two orphans can this marriage work?
This novel is full of interesting characters and love, danger, and a satisfying story. I always enjoy a happily ever after romance story and while some of the conflict seems juvenile, in the end it’s all good.
This novel is full of interesting characters and love, danger, and a satisfying story. I always enjoy a happily ever after romance story and while some of the conflict seems juvenile, in the end it’s all good.
December 11, 2025
Cripple Creek
The story seemed so real. I could relate to the characters in very many areas. I liked it because it is a clean Godly romance. I had thought it was a big book but it flowed so well that I came to the end without knowingly it. Well done Sara.
The story seemed so real. I could relate to the characters in very many areas. I liked it because it is a clean Godly romance. I had thought it was a big book but it flowed so well that I came to the end without knowingly it. Well done Sara.
March 4, 2018
Enjoy it
This book explored lots of emotions. Emotions between father and son as well as family love. Then throws in the romance of Wyatt and Katherine. A good read.
This book explored lots of emotions. Emotions between father and son as well as family love. Then throws in the romance of Wyatt and Katherine. A good read.
March 18, 2018
Very good book.
I enjoyed every minute of Hope in Cripple Creek and will definitely be reading more books by Sara R. Turnquist
I enjoyed every minute of Hope in Cripple Creek and will definitely be reading more books by Sara R. Turnquist
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November 22, 2022Fun to support an author local to Clarksville, TN
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March 5, 2024
Masterly written.
This has been such an amazing read! U don't know which way the story will end. Wonderfully written. A must read! Can't wait to read the next!!
This has been such an amazing read! U don't know which way the story will end. Wonderfully written. A must read! Can't wait to read the next!!
March 21, 2024
fantastic
Loved this book!! A keep you on the edge of your seat, story. Thank you Sara for putting this story together.
Loved this book!! A keep you on the edge of your seat, story. Thank you Sara for putting this story together.
April 19, 2024
Nice story
April 22, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It looks like an interesting series.
August 17, 2024
Great story!
I loved this historical romance by a new to me author. As Katie returns to her hometown as the new teacher, a lot of things have changed. Will she be ready for them?
I loved this historical romance by a new to me author. As Katie returns to her hometown as the new teacher, a lot of things have changed. Will she be ready for them?
January 13, 2025
Enemy or future?
Hate has a way of manifesting into many horrible things and making you blind to reality. It's also a hard lesson to learn when the reality finally hits home.
Hate has a way of manifesting into many horrible things and making you blind to reality. It's also a hard lesson to learn when the reality finally hits home.
April 9, 2025
It was a good read. I got tired of the miner part of the story. It drug out a little with the 2 main characters falling in love, but overall I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews