Celebrate Lit / December 8, 2022

Passages of Hope

About the Book Passages of Hope

Book: Passages of Hope

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November 2022

Discover the Story Behind a Secret Passageway

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Gracie Kingston begins renovations on the Philadelphia house inherited from her grandmother and finds a secret room. It is connected to a house nearby, the home of William Still, the man known as the father of the Underground Railroad.

As she researches, she discovers a mystery in her house’s ownership. In 1855, Olivia Kingston helps a mother and her young child by hiding them in a secret room in her home. As she helps, she learns that there may be an impostor conductor in their community. As Gracie’s and Olivia’s stories intertwine, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and love.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts on Passages of Hope

I love a good historical fiction novel. They just draw me in and then make me want to learn more. I often find myself researching topics that I’ve been introduced to in good books.

If you’re in need of a good series to bury yourself in, this series is for you. Doors to the Past takes you back in history in this great dual-timeline series. This is book 10 of the series. I’ve read them all and cannot recommend them enough. While different authors have taken on each novel they have done so with incredible skill.

In this particular novel, we travel back in time through a house that served as a stop on the underground railroad. Living in northwest MO we didn’t have quite so many stops as other places but we did have them and I have my own stories that have been passed down generations of my families farm being burned down over such a matter.

I love how stories from the past are brought into today’s light and given a new lease on life. It reminds me of passing down stories by mouth but in this case, they’re added into written form too.

As Gracie is renovating this house I kept finding myself wishing I could go there. Okay, let’s be honest, I really want to live there! I’m a history buff and my dream is to live in an old historic home. Instead, I’m in a ranch style that’s about two sizes too small(Christmas reference here) for our growing family.

Okay, back to the story.

I loved our female heroines. They’re strong but yet also have their own issues of vulnerability. It brings out points of home and family and how everyone longs for these things no matter their color or when they find themselves in the line of history. Life isn’t easy. No matter what front we put on everyone has their own struggles whether that is now or 200 years ago(and yes I know the time of this book isn’t quite that far away but it sounds good).

The historical aspect of the book takes us back to the times of the Underground Railroad. I find that time and the Underground Railroad fascinating. So many people were involved in it and the consequences could be deadly. Also I just really love secret passages and secret rooms too.

There’s not much more I can share without giving away key points to the story so please grab your copy today and settle in for a read. It’s cold and rainy here today so I’m planning on cuddling into a blanket with a cup of tea and a good book.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

About the Author of Passages of Hope

Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is a storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers into the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.

Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly.

Terri holds a Bachelor Degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.

Website: www.terrijhaynes.com
Blog: www.inotherwords.terrijhaynes.com

More from Terri

Family, Underground Railroad, two strong Black women, and knitting in one book? Yes.

As an author, I explore my world with curiosity. I find many subjects interesting and it shows in this book. It’s not often that an author can combine such a range of topics in one novel. I’m so glad I got to do it for this one.

In addition to being an author, I am a knitter, crocheter, indie yarn dyer, business owner, unofficial historian, wife, mother, and sister. At first glance, all those things seem too different to combine in one book. But they weave together so perfectly.

Life is a tapestry of many colors knit together and my goal was to show that. That family and history, grieving and crafting, struggle and triumph, are all entwined threads. Their vibrancy can be combined to create a beautiful project, the pain and joy both add hue and color to life. This is what I hope you find in this book.