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About the Book
Author: Heidi Chiavaroli
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Hope Creek
Release Date: June 28, 2022
From award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli comes a sweeping dual timeline story that explores hope and enduring love in the midst of the impossible.
Massachusetts, 1993
After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten?
Massachusetts, 1916
Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way.
On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul?
A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.
Massachusetts, 1993
After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten?
Massachusetts, 1916
Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way.
On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul?
A testament to faith and love, Hope Beyond the Waves is the raw account of the journey of two generations of women running from desperate situations toward irresistible hope.
My Thoughts
Wow, wow, wowza!! First of all this is my first ever book by Heidi Chiavaroli and holy cow she blew me out of the water. This story truly captivated me from beginning to end. Definitely one of those stories that I could not put down. This is a dual time storyline which is one of my favorites and honestly I was captivated by both timelines. This dual timeline was like none other that I have ever read as it was told by Emily's grandmother as a story of her past.
I have never read a fiction book based on leprosy so this was my first and I was just intrigued at the fact that this was in existence here in America. When you think of leprosy, at least for me, I think of the Bible or India. Both timelines have amazing and relatable characters that grew throughout the story and both timelines are filled with lessons learned by those characters.
In the present timeline Emily is considered an outcast by her political parents and gets sent to her grandmother so she is not an embarrassment to their career. She is not only hurt but looking for answers on what to do with her life. She lacks hope. In the past timeline we meet Atta who gets diagnosed with leprosy and gets sent to an island to be quarantined permanently. She tries to maintain her faith but loses hope various times.
There is a very strong presence of faith throughout the entire story and characters get closer to God and learn about his grace at different times and at their own pace which I really enjoyed because it made the story and the characters seem more realistic. Let's not forget the romance because there was some and it was lovely, wholesome and what true love (selfless) is all about. You definitely have to read this in order to understand what I am talking about.
The author did a phenomenal job and I for one will be looking for her all books so I can read them all. If you enjoy historical fiction that completely touches your soul go grab this book!!
My Rating: 5 Stars/Loved it!!
I received a digital copy of this book through Just Read Tours. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, and grace-clinger who could spend hours exploring places that whisper of historical secrets. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com
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