When Hope Sank: April 27, 1865 (A Day to Remember, #3) by Denise Weimer

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can Hope Resurface After Evil Tries to Drown It? 

Introducing a new series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.   

The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers.   

Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1865, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.   

Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?

MY THOUGHTS.....

Hooray, author Denise Weimer has a new book! I love historical fiction and I especially enjoy stories set around the Civil War, so I was thrilled to read her newest story! Weimer uses the 1865 sinking of the steamboat Sultana as the catalyst for a moving story of trauma and sorrow. Was this explosion that claimed the lives of over eleven hundred men an accident or an intentional act of terror? Was more evil planned by suspected saboteurs?

Weimer offers a vivid depiction of a tragic event that was quickly overshadowed by Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the herculean efforts to recover from the Civil War. She successfully weaves historical details into her fictional story of two people struggling to overcome the hurt caused by the conflict that divided our country, our states, and even our families! When Hope Sank is a moving account of death, deception, and despair but there's also a reminder that healing and redemption are always possible. Lily Livingston and Lieutenant Cade Palmer were challenged emotionally and physically as they tried to recover the hope that was believed lost. Would they allow God to guide their journeys?

When Hope Sank is a wonderful addition to the A Day to Remember series! I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I accepted an Advanced Reader Copy from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise Weimer holds a journalism degree with a minor in history from Asbury University. A former magazine writer, Denise authored romantic novella Redeeming Grace, as well as The Georgia Gold Series (Sautee Shadows, The Gray Divide, The Crimson Bloom, and Bright as Gold, winner of the 2015 John Esten Cooke Award for outstanding Southern literature) and The Restoration Trilogy (White, Widow and Witch) with Canterbury House Publishing. A wife and swim mom of two daughters, Denise always pauses for old houses, coffee and chocolate, and to write any story the Lord lays on her heart.

To connect with Denise, please use the following links: Website 

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A DAY TO REMEMBER SERIES

When the Waters Came: May 31, 1889 by Candice Sue Patterson

When the Flames Ravaged: July 6, 1944 by Rhonda Dragomir

When Hope Sank: April 27, 1865 by Denise Weimer

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Justice Delayed (Seeking Justice, #1) by Sarah Hamaker

ABOUT THE BOOK

Journalist Brogan Gilmore had been a rising star when an unethical shortcut on a story leads to his fall from grace. A chance encounter with convicted murderer Melender Harman a few months after her release from prison provides Brogan with a chance for career redemption—if he can land an interview with her.

After serving her 17-year sentence, Melender has one To uncover the truth about what happened to her cousin the night the toddler disappeared. When Brogan pursues her for an exclusive story, she reluctantly agrees if he’ll help her reexamine the original investigation into Jesse’s presumed kidnapping and murder.

While re-investigating the case, Brogan struggles to keep his objectivity as he begins to believe Melender is innocent of the crime—and starts to envision a possible future together. Then a shocking discovery throws their relationship—and investigation—into turmoil.

As Brogan and Melender come closer to solving what happened to Jesse, will their budding relationship survive the truth?

MY THOUGHTS.....

Wow, just wow! This well-written suspense story kept me turning the pages to learn the truth behind a baby's death that occurred nineteen years ago. Melender Hamilton was convicted of her cousin's murder and served her full prison sentence but was she truly guilty? Will she ever convince others that she wasn't involved in baby Jesse's death?

Author Sarah Hamaker shares a riveting tale of greed, deception, and a father's misguided protection but she buffers it with goodness, forgiveness, and the power of faith. Justice Delayed is a multi-layered story with relatable characters and a cornucopia of twists, turns, and sinister motives, along with a slow-burning but tantalizing romance between Melender and the journalist who senses that justice has been denied. This emotional and thought-provoking story reminded me that our justice system is often fallible and that our society has a hard time forgetting the past.

Grab a copy of Justice Delayed if you're looking for suspense and intrigue that catapult you into a surprise ending that you didn't see coming! Hamaker is a new-to-me author who's now joined my list of must-read authors!!

I received a complimentary digital ARC from the author. There was no expectation for a positive review. These are my own opinions.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Hamaker loves writing books “where the hero and heroine fall in love while running for their lives.” She’s written romantic suspense novels and nonfiction books, as well as stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul volumes. As a writers coach, her heart is encouraging writers. She’s a member of ACFW; ACFW Virginia Chapter; and Faith, Hope and Love, as well as the president of Capital Christian Writers Fellowship. Her podcast, “The Romantic Side of Suspense,” can be found wherever you listen to podcasts. Sarah lives in Virginia with her husband, four teenagers, a preschool foster child and three cats.

Learn more by visiting her Website

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