Orchard of Hope

Back Cover

The smoldering embers of unrest are stirring—

And even Jocie’s sweet spirit can’t put them out.

It’s already been an eventful summer for Jocie Brooke.  Little does she know, things have only just begun to heat up.  Drought has gripped the quiet Kentucky town of Hollyhill and it seems as if everyone is waiting—for rain, for a fresh start, for the next step toward the future.

Into this tense haze of anticipation comes a new family, aiming to make a better life for themselves by planting an orchard on the outskirts of town.  Fresh off the freedom train, Alex and Myra Hearndon are sensitive to what the color of their skin may mean in the segregated South.  And even though Jocie quickly befriends the family, suspicion from both sides of the racial divide proves a formidable obstacle.  Can Jocie help bridge the gap?  Or will life in her quiet community fall apart at the seams?

Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you back to Hollyhill for a gripping tale of unexpected friendship, forgiveness, and the bright promise of a new beginning.

Review

Ann Gabhart is such a beautiful writer.  When it comes to quality of writing, Ann slides neatly into the same group as Lisa Wingate, as her words create clear pictures and a flow in the story that seems completely effortless.  Reading books by Ann is akin to taking a breath of clean air – fresh and utterly satisfying.

Orchard of Hope is the sequel to Scent of Lilacs, and I thoroughly enjoyed the continuation.  Jocie is as endearing as ever, viewing the world through her unique and introspective lens.  Not one to shy away from tough topics, Ann brings the issues of racial discrimination and cruel judgment to the forefront of this book, aptly showing how God’s love can change lives and bring people together even in the midst of such harsh adversity. 

Orchard of Hope is a wonderfully written novel that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.