A review by blackngoldgirlsbookspot
Hope Rising by Stacy Henrie

4.0

The Of Love and War series flew in under the radar so to speak. I haven't read much in the way of promotion from the publisher or about the author until recently, but these short little romances have trotted their way to the top of my book list for 2014 beating out some big names! With the first book, we met the Campbell sister, Livy, on the homefront during The Great War. Hope Rising follows Joel through battlefield and field hospital where he meets his best friend's girl, nurse Evelyn Gray. Each of their stories is poignant and heartbreaking as war time sagas usually are. However, where book one focused on life in the States for those fighting at home, book two offers a glimpse at the battles faced on and off the fields of combat.

Hope Rising is one of those stories that starts off fast and dives right in to the romance as well as the heartbreak. Where Hope at Dawn took a while to take off, this story pulled me in right from the get go! As a nurse on the war front, being married is a no-no and being unmarried with child is considered grounds for immediate dismissal. Not wanting to disappoint her family or endanger her unborn baby, Evelyn must find a solution and quickly or put the life she knows in jeopardy. Joel Campbell was severely wounded in the battle that also took the life of Evelyn's fiance and feels responsible for Evelyn and her well-being. Henrie, weaves this story in such a way that is believable and entertaining. Even though it is a romance, it doesn't have that "fluff" feel. It's a pretty dramatic tale, but still remains hopeful and uplifting.

The Of Love and War saga continues with A Hope Remembered in March 2015. In the meantime, the Christmas novella, A Christmas Hope, is now available and is just thing to tide you over through the busy holiday season if you don't have time to read a full-length romance! I for one have really enjoyed this series and am looking forward to more!

*I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*