HOPE’S ENDURING ECHO by KIM VOGEL SAWYER is the beautifully written story of the Ward family who live in a cabin on the outskirts of Canon City Colorado in 1915, whose job it is to check the wooden pipeline running next to the Arkensaw River. The story is sensitively told and the characters’ emotions are brilliantly analysed. The book’s title is very good, underlining the message of hope running through it. We see Jennie taking hold of her mother’s “echo of hope” as she faces her beloved father’s physical and mental breakdown and mourns the man he used to be……
There are two things Jennie asks the Lord for. One is for Him to heal her father and the other is for a friend.When Leo Day sees her walking the pipeline, brandishing what looks like a dinosaur leg, it seens as though they have each had their prayers answered…….
Leo comes from a long line of Presbyterian pastors, but, although he is a committed Christian, his passion is for paleontology, much to his father’s distress. I like the way Leo takes care of the Ward family, and also the way he believes strongly in creationism…….
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I cannot recommend this lovely read strongly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Waterbrook & Multnomah. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

When I requested to read this book, I wasn't sure what to expect, as I haven't read many of Kim Vogel Sawyer's novels. However the plot really intrigued me, and I was pleasantly surprised when NetGalley approved my request!
As I started reading, though, I realized this book was so much more than it seems!
The growth of the characters, the author's love for God evident on every page, the characters that held steadfast to their faith, even when time's were tough, and our main characters that helped each other so much in their faith and hope were such beautiful elements of the story.
I was really intrigued by the paleontology elements, and the dinosaur hunt.
I felt that the mental health topics were done very well, and in an educating and positive way!
The only thing I wished, was that it had an epilogue.
I very much enjoyed this novel, and look forward to reading more from Kim Vogel Sawyer!

A young woman in 1915 Colorado prays for a friend while she walks miles a day inspecting a wooden water line in place of her father, who was injuring in an accident and remains despondent. When a young man jumps from a train to meet her, and investigate the dinosaur bone in her hand, both of their lives change forever. An enjoyable read, even if I disagree with the author's premise on creationism.

Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors when it comes to Christian fiction and her new release each year instantly becomes one of my most anticipated releases so I was thrilled to receive a copy to read and review early (a big thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley!).

This author’s books always have characters that tug at your heartstrings and this book was no different. Jennie and her mother Etta were both dealing with so much and through it all managed to keep positive attitudes. Etta, in particular, never lost her faith. There was no villain to the story per se, but Jennie’s father is dealing with quite a bit as well, which added some conflict to the story.

I liked both Jennie and Leo (the MMC). Leo, who comes from a long line of pastors, wants to study paleontology instead and feels somewhat ostracized from his family because of that. He was very much a faith filled character as well (despite not wanting to be a pastor) and I liked that he encouraged Jennie in her faith.

I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well, like Jennie’s aunt and uncle and Leo’s mentor (for lack of a better word). I also loved the puppy as well. I love how the dog came into their lives at just the right time and how devoted they all became to the dog as well. (And for those who are worried, the dog does not die!). As a dog person, I loved everything about that puppy.

My main complaint would be that the book definitely needed an epilogue! There is a segment set one year later, but I would have liked a check in to see how everyone was doing, especially given the changes they all went through. Overall this was a lovely read with an easy writing style and a wonderful, faith based story. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s books!

I knew this book was going to be great because I love the author but it was even better then I thought it would have been. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one day. I highly recommend this book.

Kim Vogel Sawyer has a way with creating characters to love and get frustrated with. I also like how she incorporates things that maybe aren't as well known into her stories. Hope's Enduring Echo explores part of the great dinosaur bone hunt of the 1800s, but it also explores how mental illness like depression affected people during that time and how it was treated (for good or bad).

I didn't realize there were wooden water pipes like what was mentioned in the story-or that they had to be checked on by walking the full length.

I enjoyed Jennie's story. I felt she had great growth over the course of the story. Leo was quite the gentleman who supported her and never made her feel less because of her lack of formal education and background.

I felt that the handling of Jennie's father's mental health was done in a very positive light showing the ups and downs and challenges for that time. The worry of being put in an insane asylum was always a concern--

There are great inspirational messages (as usual!) woven into the story about encouragement in the middle of storms and trusting in God for all outcomes.

4 stars

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of this to review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Such an inspirational read. As I face my husband's illness and disability it is an encouragement to keep my eyes firmly focused on God and his love for me. God is faithful and this story was a huge reminder to keep seeking him.