Abounding Hope

Author: Cindy Kay Stewart
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Circle of Hope #1
Pages: 429
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Publisher: Hope Springs Press

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.

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Reviewer: Abounding Hope

Abounding Hope was my first read by Cindy Kay Stewart, and I’m looking forward to reading more from her. I enjoy reading historical fiction, and this one had me reading up until late at night.

The author has written an incredible story of friendships that must stand against evil, love that stands against the devastation of loss, and hope that lives on in the lives of faithful even when they are going through a dark time. This story is filled with inspiration and hope, serving as a gentle reminder that, with God, anything is possible.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Katie Slocum

Taking a chance on a new author does not always work out well, but in this case, Abounding Hope is sure to be one of my favorite reads for 2024. It is the rare type of novel that has wrecked me (in a good way) for being able to start reading another book. It will take some time to process these characters and recover enough to move on.

Themes of suspense, love, sacrifice, and family kept me turning pages. I felt very invested in the outcome, as the story completely captured my imagination. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, but they were unique enough from each other, and the plot moved at just the right pace so that I had no trouble keeping everyone straight and followed along easily.

The story was overall very believable. Sometimes circumstances seemed a bit of a stretch, but God can and does work in miraculous ways. Irena and Jonathan displayed determination and faith, which is an example of the true love for others and devotion to God that I hope I would have under the same circumstances.

Although I had no idea how the story would end, the epilogue left my mouth literally hanging open. I never saw the ending coming, and I now cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel. I hope it will not be long.

If you like WWII historical fiction by authors such as Sarah Sundin, Amy Lynn Green, and Amanda Barratt, then add this book to the top of your TBR list and be prepared to stay up all night reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the author through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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