My 5-star rating is more for the spiritual backdrop and development of this book than for great writing skill or a well-conceived plot. It's a light read with a solid foundation.I don't know if I can explain this very well -- I so admired the true Christian spirit embodied in these characters, and how they realistically lived out their faith amid life's challenges and hopes. That perspective was absolutely refreshing to me. No misguided theologies here, such as Pollyanna sunshiny everything-is-s...

Book #1 This whole series (Wortham Family Series) remains one of my favorites. The order after this book is Emma's Gift, Katie's Dream. There is another series by Leisha Kelly that has these same characters--also very good, called the Country Road Chronicles: Rachel's Prayer, Rorie's Secret and Sarah's Promise (haven't read the last one yet). I love Leisha Kelly's style. She makes you really feel like you know the characters!

In the spring of 1931, Samuel and Julia Wortham leave Pennsylvania with their two children, all of their belongings in three bags, and only $8. Samuel has lost his job, his wife's inheritance, and their home. They hitchhike to Illinois on the promise of a job, only to find out there is no job available.When they are caught out on the road by a sudden storm, the Worthams take shelter in an abandoned farmhouse. Julia feels a sense of belonging, and longing for a place to stay, insists on finding t...

This book reminds me of an adult version of Little House on the Prairie. With the hard times of the Depression, their reliance on the land, friends and God. Love the way the characters come to life and feeling like you know them. Enjoyed this first book so much, got the second book of Emma's Gift, as soon as I was done with this one.

Sweet heart-warming story set in the "dirty thirties". I wonder how modern society would handle such a time? This story has no suspense, action, or other forces driving the story, it is simply a beautiful example of "love your neighbor as yourself". I look forward to more installments from this series.

Awesome book! This is a wonderful series by a great author.

This is the Mitford books meets the first book of the Boxcar Children, with echos of A Girl of the Limberlost. Some of my favorite books are those in which our main characters find a new place to live and settle in, making it their own. That is a central focus of Julia's Hope.The writing impressed me. The characters' motivations and emotions were clear, rational, and real, without feeling overblown or caricature-ish. Julia's passion for gardening and her knowledge of the edible wild plants inspi...

I really enjoyed this book! I can't wait to read the second book in the series.

Very good read so far...hard to put down.

Excellent story about how God can work in people's lives. This is a wonderful story about how God works in the lives of his people. This family was struck by the hardships of the depression and how God brought them to the perfect place to not only bless them but the people around them.

Couldn't put it downIt's been a while since I've enjoyed a book as much as this one. It's nearly 2 AM, and I finally finished it. I just didn't want it to end.I am reading the afterword. I see that this is Miss Kelly's first book. I'm really surprised. I enjoyed her writing so much, I felt as though somebody was actually telling the story rather than trying to make something up.This is a story about a sweet family, very down on their luck, who lost absolutely everything. It was also a story abou...

Excellent Book! So realistic! Excellent character development! This family leaves home during the depression, after the father's job shut down; they lost everything, but were promised a potential job by a relative in another state, which then did not materialize. In a bad storm they shelter in an abandoned farmhouse. From there, despite fears, shame at their great need, judgements made about them; the Lord slowly opens a door of hope. No "perfect" characters here, but much grace brings each to a...

Now this is good comfort reading, about people helping each other. Maybe things fall into place a little too often, and maybe Miss Hazel was almost too cranky to be believable, but then again, some people can really be that way. My favorite quotes: "At that moment, I found a lot to respect in an old lady set on enjoying life, no matter what." "I never met nobody happy, neither, that didn't give 'way more than they oughta. An' let folks take 'vantage of 'em now and again too. You leave it all in

In Julia’s Hope by Leisha Kelly, Samuel Wortham is out of a job, like so many others in the early 1930s. Not only did his business close, but the investment he financed with money from his wife’s inheritance failed. The family has just a few dollars. Sam’s cousin says there’s work for Sam in Illinois, so the family is going to hitchhike from Pennsylvania.Julia, Sam’s wife, is understandably angry with Sam over the lost investment, but she tries to keep a brave face for the children and make the

Julia and Samuel have traveled across the country with their two children, looking for a place to call home. When they come across an abandoned farm, Julia hopes they may have found it. While the owner is generous and kind, but the neighbors have other ideas.This is told in the first person, alternating between Julia and Samuel, with occasional chapters from Emma. The emotions from all the characters came through and made it easier to relate with them all. They rely on each other and their faith...

Absolutely Lived This Book!!!!!I can't wait to tell my friends about this book! Leisha Kelly is such a good writer! The book was so good that it was hard to turn the light off at night!! The story takes place during the depression. The main characters in the story have lost their jobs and there are none to be had. They have had to leave their home and start out on foot traveling to a family member's home. But circumstances come along and God has a different path in store for them. You will encou...

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I’m not normally a reader of Christian literature but I picked this up at a little free library and was interested in the era of the dust bowl and the depression. It wasn’t clear from the cover that it was a Christian story.It was told from the point of view of three of the main characters. Compared to Grapes of Wrath, this is more of a parable with a happy ending for those wonderful Christians who look after each other. That’s a bit of sarcasm) I loved many

Found the opening parts of the book long and not too interesting. The novel picked up and was quite touching in the latter half. The novel is told in the views of three people: Julia, Sam, and Emma. Sometimes Julia talks about her views and the same with the others. The person I liked best was Emma. She was kind of an angel on earth. She seemed to be there for everyone when they needed a place to stay, a garden, a baby delivered, or food. Would read the follow up books. A very kind, Christian ty...

At first this book seemed a bit depressing. The setting is the Great Depression, and the story opens with a man thrown out of work and he and his family on the road. Their destination? A possible job. But it's a gritty story, and well-crafted, and soon the reader is drawn in to a fascinating tale of faith and hope against a backdrop of need and nagging doubt. It's the first of a trilogy, and the characters are well-drawn. It's a clean story too, despite some of the ugliness that real life brings...

Excellent!I found myself immersed in this book from the first pages, and simply had to force myself to put it down. As I continued to read, I found myself more aware of God's goodness to me and his many mercies. I found myself praying more, longing for the faith that the character, Julia, exemplifies. For me, that is what I want from a Christian book. Such a great encouragement and example of what following Jesus can be like. I loved this book! I will be reading all I can of this author.

A Family lost everything in the crash of 1929. The beginning of the book is the high point, though tension is maintained throughout the story.Great dialogue. Finished this book before realizing it was a debut novel. Written in first-person, which isn't my usual preference. Only one oops to mention - In one scene, the foraging-wise main character makes a meal for her family out of potato sprouts. Those are toxic. Overall, a great reminder to consider the needs of others and be slow to judge inten...

I enjoyed the realistic characters and the truths in this story. The Depression was indeed a hard time. However, as portrayed in this story, those who lived in rural areas and who had livestock and food from the land fared a little better. Not many books give me food for thought, but those that do--such as this one--are the ones I give five stars. I've already reserved the next book in the series from my library.

This was a great, light read that I enjoyed a great deal. I particularly enjoyed that Emma wasn't afraid to stand up for her Christian values, even when facing opposition. In doing so, she managed to help others around her grow, spiritually. I loved how Julia never gave up hope that things would turn around for her family, even when things looked darkest and was able to help her husband regain his faith. By doing what they felt was right and not bowing down to their criticizers, Julia and Samuel...

The Great depression was bad for everyone.unemployment and food was scarce.family lost their homes and become homeless.Julie,husband ,and their children travel from back east,got rides when able.God sent them to meet a kindly elder lady name Emma,and together,Emma was finally able to return home,and enjoy her twilight years at her home,Julie,Sam,and children became her family.God made them a family.

HOPE IS PRECIOUSEmma is old and infirm, but she is not finished with the assignment she feels is from God. She has one last measure of grace to deliver to two families she loves. Like God's love, Emma's is not always earned, but it is hers to give. This is a wonderful read and carries a message we all need to hear.

Quite enjoyableThe book was a little hard to get into at first. But keep at it and you'll be greatly blessed. Great character development. I hope to always have a little bit of Emma in me and can be grateful to the Lord for all I have. The to always be compassionate of others. I do believe the more we give the more God well bless us.

I liked this book. It is actually a Christian Fiction book. There were no twists or turns, just a sweet story about a family down on their luck in the 1930's. Reading about how selfless others were made me want to be a better person, make me want to be more Christ like. I think I will read the rest of the series.

Fun story although quite a stretch to believe that it could really happen still it was inspiring to read. Julia and her family end up on an abandoned farm then find the owner and eventually end up moving the old lady back to the place. Enjoyed it! Kind of "Little House" feel to the stories, nothing to deep and quick read.

I don't usually read a lot of "Christian Fiction" even though I am a Christian....sometimes the stories are just too sweet and formulaic. I will say that even though I found the plot implausible, I enjoyed the story and thought the author's writing was polished (this was her first book). It didn't end quite the way I thought it would....I found this to be refreshing.

I was expecting an average read and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. While I am not much of one for "uplifting" books I related completely to Emma and Julia and their love of simple things and the joy that comes from nesting. very well-written with a truly good use of language and transition and timing.