Beloved Hope

Set in Oregon just before the Civil War, Peterson’s (Treasured Grace) second installment of her Heart of the Frontier series focuses on Hope Flanagan, who survived a massacre at Whitman Mission in the previous book. Hope is forced to relive the traumatic event after being asked to testify against the American Indians accused of committing the horrible act. Lieutenant Lance Kenner, fulfilling his last duties for the army, is charged with protecting the accused Indians. Caught in an attempt to gain revenge, Hope meets Lance, who quickly becomes a comforting presence in Hope’s life. But when a man from Lance’s own troubled past resurfaces in an unexpected way, Lance, like Hope, will have to decide if forgiveness is attainable. Peterson creates believable 19th-century characters that will resonate with readers. Not only does the love between Hope and Lance ring true, but the story also deals with issues of trauma, fear, and revenge in perceptive ways. The characters learn how to rely on God and the Bible in hard circumstances, which doesn’t feel trite but hard-earned. This continuation of the Heart of the Frontier series is sure to delight Peterson fans and win her new ones. (July)