Hope Springs

January 13, 2014
The second installment of Eden’s historical romance series (after Longing for Home) is an intriguing mix of personal morality and social justice, masquerading as romance and bound with historical twine. In the late 19th century, the American-born farmers of the small Wyoming community of Hope Springs are at war with their Irish-born neighbors. The primary force for peace is Joseph Archer, a neutral local land baron who’s in love with his housekeeper, young Irishwoman Katie Macauley. Tavish O’Connor, Katie’s Irish sweetheart, must work with her and Joseph to save the people of Hope Springs from themselves. Tenderly written but sometimes emotionally manipulative, this novel explores and to some extent exploits the plight of the Irish after the great famine. Eden puts poor Katie through one ordeal after another, underlining a portrayal of the Irish as unfailingly good-hearted despite endless suffering. Agent: Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, Foreword Literary Agency.

February 15, 2014

In Eden's second series installment (after Longing for Home: A Proper Romance), Katie Macaulay, who gave up her dream of returning to Ireland, now turns her mind toward making a home in the wilds of Wyoming where the Irish are still unwelcome. A harsh winter rekindles Katie's painful childhood memories of the potato famine. Meanwhile, two suitors vie for her heart, and once again she must search her soul for the answers to her questions and rely on her faith to guide her toward her future. The protagonist's character development especially shines through in this series entry. Readers will root for her to find the happiness, love, and forgiveness for which she has always longed. VERDICT Eden's heartwarming romance shows how having faith in oneself and in God can lighten burdens and heal hearts. Recommend for fans of historical or Western romance and those who have longed to find a place that finally feels like home.

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