It's been some time since I visited the small Wyoming town of Hope Springs. Despite my interest when I saw that 'Love Remains' was being published last year, a part of me was hesitant to revisit this place. Book 2, leaves you with a somewhat shocked and tragic ending. Yes there is resolution to the love triangle, a content one - but I really think this was the first book I'd read that saddened me so at the conclusion. I like a happy ending, so there it is.
I had my doubts, but intrigue won over. Tavish, our favourite Irishman, is in need of a happy ending for himself. He's so good and kind. Everyone's hero. He carries the weight of the 'O'Connor world' on his shoulders. He's moved his younger brother Finbarr into his home, in efforts to help restore the lost soul, brought about by physical damage to his eyes. The result of the tragic and deadly fire. With little hope for improvement his family enlist the help of a 'Mr' Attwater, a teacher of the blind from St Louis. Little do they know that the person they've sent for is going to turn this 'freshly resolved of conflict' community, upside down.
Turns out there couldn't be anything worse than the Reds, that is, unless they happen to be English. Miss Cecily Attwater arrives into the train depot hopeful and eager to meet her new student. What she encounters is a harsh kind of prejudice like one she's never endured. Something far beyond what she expects to be the cause - her debilitating disease. The endless passages of heartbreaking emotional & physical pain are not easy on my reader soul. Being English, I do understand the history and cause of the deep seated struggle the Irish had to deal with. Naturally, the closer the generations are to the experience, the deeper the pain. The more raw the wound. Biddy especially (and understandably) in this story expresses, and is, a stark reminder of the reasons why the Irish cannot abide Cecily's presence.
This story takes you on such a tender pathway towards healing, contrasted by the harsh realities of the tragedy of blindness. Conflict resolution based on decades of hurt and suffering. This was by no means an easy read, but one filled with obvious love and hope, despite the difficult road ahead.
There is a line in this book that stopped me in my tracks. It says “If you can manage the task in blackness, you can manage it in the light.” This touched my heart in a surprising way. Of course, here we are referring to the physical obstacle of performing tasks for an almost blind person. However, as I pondered the overwhelming blackness we sometimes feel emotionally, or spiritually - we have a choice. Allow it to consume us, or find someway to either battle through the darkness until it lifts, or find a way to claw your way out. How often do we wish for the relative ease of light? Everything being joyful and content in life. When we find ourselves encased in darkness - there is something strengthening about knowing you endured it, and returned to the light a much more capable person. If you can get through it in the dark, you will be so much more strengthened in the light.
Sarah Eden has written this third Hope Springs book with so much care and attention. There were times when I thought to myself, why can't we have a happier tale? There is so much unhappiness and sadness from many aspects of the story. The reality is though that we have a complex plot, in which once again you will become deeply drawn into. It's one that will have you reading when you should be doing important things like 'adulting' and I seriously couldn't put it down!
Make sure you begin this series at the beginning, with book 1, 'Longing for Home', these are not stand alone stories. So beautifully written, they will touch the tender part of your heart and soul.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
This item: Love Remains (Hope Springs)
$15.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 17
In Stock
+
+
$13.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, Apr 17
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Beautifully written, and an entrancing story ❤️ you will ...
I can't get enough of this series! Beautifully written, and an entrancing story ❤️ you will become emotionally involved with each character in the series. You may also want to order a box of tissues, and maybe some chocolate 😉 Wish it didn't have to end!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2018
- Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2017
- Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2017
