Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart ~ Book Review

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Abounding Hope
Series: Circle of Hope #1
Author: Cindy Kay Stewart
Publisher: Hope Springs Press LLC
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: WWII Christian Historical Romance

Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis. 

It’s late August, 1939, and the world is on the brink of war. The Nazis are threatening Poland, but American teacher Irena Simmons refuses to flee to safety. She’s dedicated her life to serving in her church and school, and she’s watching over the little German boys she whisked to safety the year before. When her former classmate, Jonathan, surprises her in Lvov and insists she leave with him before the war starts, Irena balks. Nothing will interfere with her work—especially a man making demands. 

American shipping magnate Jonathan Huntwell had a crush on Irena in school. When their former classmates select him to travel to Poland and escort her out before it’s too late, he doesn’t expect the inner turmoil she ignites in him. Although honor-bound to aid any friend in trouble, Jonathan acknowledges that Irena is more than an obligation to him. However, he must keep his feelings hidden, or he’ll jeopardize their friendship. 

Irena soon discovers that the Gestapo agent she successfully evaded in Germany has found her in Poland, and he’s after her young charges. When the Germans invade, Jonathan is in Denmark on business, too far away to help. As the rising danger threatens everything Irena holds dear, she must find a way to protect those she loves. 

Based on true events and backed by extensive research, Abounding Hope is sure to delight fans of WWII adventure cloaked in sweet romance. Come to the place where the war began and discover hope in the darkest places.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Thoughts

There is nothing like picking up a historical fiction book that focuses on a specific time period and event and it drops you right in the midst of it like you are part of the story. That is what it felt like reading this story. I was captured immediately and needed to know more. This story is set in the beginning stages of WWII Poland in the midst of the German takeover. Immediately we meet Irene who is an American teacher who is in charge of two little boys whom she rescued a year prior from Germany. She is determined and feels very strongly that God has called her to stay in Poland along with her family. 

We also meet Jonathan who is a childhood friend who comes to visit and warns the family and especially Irene that rumors of another war and the Germans taking over Poland is imminent. He cares for her and doesn't want any harm coming to her or her family. But circumstances being what they are, they are separated and try to find courage and strength to endure the journey that is to come. 

I was completely mesmerized by this book and could not put it down. I rejoiced in the happy moments and cried in the hard because this author paints such a picture that you truly feel like you are right besides these characters and feeling all their emotions. There aren't gruesome parts of this story but it is a depiction of war so there are some hard moments that really hit your heart and make you stop and think about that moment in time. 

The characters are very real and you see that especially with Irene as she struggles with her faith and truly stopping to listen to what God wanted for her instead of her taking control of her own life. Yes, there were moments when I wanted to shake her and tell her stop doing it your way... but alas we must all go through these moments to truly learn. 

This was my first book by this author and it will certainly not be my last. Her research in the history was very well done and she gives you a mini history lesson on her Author's Note towards the end of the book. She also infuses faith throughout the entire book. You know that God is the center of everything in this story despite the atrocities of war God is still in control. I for one need to have Book 2 stat! While I would not consider it a cliffhanger there is definitely more that needs to be told from some of the characters in the story. I won't divulge too much so you can read if for yourself.

Overall I really loved this story. If you enjoy historical fiction and a little romance thrown in then you will definitely enjoy this book so go ahead and pick it up! 

I received a digital copy of this book from Just Read. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Cindy Kay Stewart, a retired high school social studies teacher, current church pianist and Christian historical romance author, writes stories of hope, steeped in love, and anchored in faith. Passionate about revealing God’s handiwork in history, Cindy loves to research until she uncovers hidden gems to share with her readers. She resides in North Georgia with her college sweetheart and husband of forty-two years. Her daughter, son-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren live nearby.

Connect with Cindy by visiting cindykaystewart.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of Abounding Hope, and an e-book copy of Escape (true stories of escape from WWII)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 9, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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