Title: A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie
Of Love and War Series Book Three
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical, Inspirational, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
AS THE WAR ENDS, LOVE BEGINS
Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiance in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But, if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she’d be lost. Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world …
After his brother’s death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family’s estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys’ place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight–this time for love.
Review:
A Hope Remembered is the final installment in Stacy Henrie’s wonderful World War I series, Of Love and War. It is an absolutely breathtaking novel of healing, love and faith that fans of historical romances are going to love.
Nora Lewis lost her fiancé during WWI and her parents to the Spanish flu, so when she learns she has inherited a sheep farm in the English countryside, she sells her Iowa farm and embarks on a new life. The first person she meets is aristocrat Colin Ashby who also suffered devastating losses during the war. The two form an unlikely friendship that eventually turns to love, but will a troubling secret destroy their chance at happiness?
Nora is a strong, independent young woman and she is very eager to gain the knowledge she needs to succeed in her new endeavor. She is surprised by the warm welcome she receives in the village and from her closest neighbors, and she is quickly accepted into the local community. She treasures her burgeoning friendship with Colin, but she is also distressed by her attraction to the handsome flyer. Nora is desperate to protect herself from further heartbreak so she tries to ignore her growing affection for Colin and when she learns upsetting information about him, she is quick to push him away. Nora soon discovers she might have been wrong about him, but is it too late to repair their fractured relationship?
As the youngest son, Colin never planned on inheriting his family’s estate. However, after his beloved brother dies during the War, he returns home to honor his family obligations. Stunned to learn that his family is on the brink of financial ruin, he reluctantly agrees to his father’s plan to secure their future. Colin is torn between family loyalty and his unexpected feelings for Nora and he is dismayed when she learns about his father’s plan. He is distraught when she refuses to listen to his side of the story, but he also understands why she feels betrayed by him. Colin comes up with an alternative solution to save his family, but will he be able to salvage his relationship with Nora?
Colin and Nora’s relationship begins with friendship and slowly grows into something much deeper over time. They instantly bond over their mutual losses and they truly enjoy one another’s company. Their conversations are meaningful and as they open up about their painful pasts, they gradually find a measure of peace. Their most significant discussion becomes a turning point for Colin and he slowly begins to recover his lost faith.
A Hope Remembered is an uplifting and gratifying novel with a gentle undercurrent of faith. This wonderful story of love and friendship is quite riveting and the cast of characters is immensely appealing. The story is meticulously researched and historically accurate. The setting is absolutely perfect and Stacy Henrie brings the English countryside vibrantly to life. This outstanding conclusion to the Of Love and War series can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend the entire series.
