Passages of Hope by Terri J. Haynes

Passages of Hope
by Terri J. Haynes

ISBN-13: 9781636094069
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Released: November 1st 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Gracie Kingston begins renovations on the Philadelphia house inherited from her grandmother and finds a secret room. It's located near the home of William Still, the man known as the father of the Underground Railroad. As she researches, she discovers a mystery in her house’s ownership. In 1855, Olivia Kingston helps a mother and her young child by hiding them in a secret room in her home. As she helps, she learns that there may be an impostor conductor in their community. As Gracie’s and Olivia’s stories intertwine, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and love.


My Review:
Passages of Hope is a historical set in 1855 in Philadelphia and a romance set in present day. Olivia runs a safe house along the Underground Railroad, and she tries to protect her doctor husband by telling him little about her activities. Something strange is going on, though. Runaway slaves report an unknown conductor helping them, then those runaways disappear. She needs her husband's help (and he's ready to give it) and the help of her friends when one disappearing runaway leaves behind her toddler in Olivia's care. Olivia has a hard time accepting their help, though, and must learn that she can't do it all on her own. This part of the story was suspenseful, and interesting historical details were woven into the story.

In present day, Gracie's her own worst enemy and was so very negative. Frankly, I just got tired of her attitude of "if I try and fail, it'll be a waste of my time, so why try" or "if something good happens, something horrible must be on the way" or "I don't deserve anyone's help." Whenever something bad happened, she headed for her bedroom rather than dealing with the situation. Happily, her upbeat, business-savvy cousin moved into the house with her and pushed her to do what she needed to in order to succeed. Her new boyfriend not only cared about finding out the history of her house but supported Gracie and used his connections to help her.

By the end, Gracie learned that she's loved by friends and family and to accept their love. I would have liked her to realize God's love, too, but God was barely mentioned. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


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