Orchard of Hope
by Ann H. Gabhart
Published by Revell
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Reviewed by Jamie Driggers
Every person has a story, and Jocie is determined to find it out. They may live in small Hollyhill, Kentucky, where the national unrest of the 1960s leaves them mostly untouched, but that is about to change.
In this sequel to The Scent of Lilacs, Jocie's story continues as she unwraps the stories of her family and friends. When a black family moves into Hollyhill from Chicago, Jocie has new stories to discover. But the racial tension won't ignore Hollyhill forever, and in the summer of 1964, Hollyhill and Jocie will be changed forever.
Orchard of Hope is a great book even if you haven't read The Scent of Lilacs. The fascinating stories that make up the many characters meld to tell a compelling tale. Ann H. Gabhart expertly weaves many points of view to tell a story of one town, seemingly unaffected by the national news, and how even seemingly unconnected people can bring a community together.
This is a novel that I will long remember. I genuinely cared what happened to the characters and wished the best for each of them. The book reads in an almost slow and hypnotic way, perfectly complementing the area and heat wave that lasts the duration--and yet it is a page turner. Though the many plot lines are wrapped up by the end, I really hope there is another book in the series.
Armchair Interviews says: This is a novel you'll want to tell friends about.
Author's Web site: http://annhgabhart.com