We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels
Thanks to Erin Bartels, debut author, of this wonderful read I had a very Merry Christmas enjoying this great story. A story that spans 1860's to present day following three leading ladies all somehow related: Mary from the Civil War era, Nora from the 1960s and Elizabeth from present day. he story takes place in either Detroit, MI or Lapeer County, MI. Elizabeth is a journalist who has been asked to transport some photos to Nora who lives in Lapeer County- her family home. Elizabeth has also been asked to "get a story" on Nora's past, but in order to learn of Nora's past you have to first start with Mary.
This historical fiction highlights what occurred in the North during the Civil War. It shed light on the fact that all Northerners didn't support emancipation or welcome African Americans being treated equal. Nora's story takes place during "riots of Detroit" era. Nora falls in love with an African American and this love isn't fully accepted by either family.
Elizabeth is trying to make a name for herself in journalism, but she gets caught in a story that doesn't end well for her integrity as a journalist. She leaves Detroit to go and visit her great-aunt Nora who is living by herself ad starting to show possible signs of dementia.
This story was really engaging and I felt like I was reading a historical fiction mystery. The mystery was figuring out how all three of these women from different eras were connected. I love when stories flash back and forth between time periods. I appreciated that Erin titled each chapter the specific year and place the story was taking place. However, at times I struggled with keeping straight who was who. That was the only negative with the story- keeping straight where I was and whose story I was reading. Hence, I gave Erin's debut novel 4 stars and look forward to reading other books by this author.
So grateful to be sent this book to review by Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group.
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