Hope Between the Pages is a dual timeline novel written by Pepper Basham. It takes place in Asheville, NC in present day and 1915-16. The 1915 timeline is primarily located at the Biltmore House, which is an interesting setting to read about for those who have visited Biltmore. For those who have not, Biltmore is known as America’s largest home, sometimes referred to as America’s Castle. It was officially opened to the friends and family of George Vanderbilt on Christmas Eve, 1895. Later, in 1930, the house was opened to the public in order to create income for the preservation of Biltmore during the Great Depression. It is an expansive estate that entertains thousands of guests every year.
Hope you enjoyed that history lesson — now, on to the review!
In present day, Clara Blackwell has grown up around books all her life. Her father was a popular children’s author, and Clara’s parents own a quaint Asheville bookstore known as Blackwell’s. As she grows older and the fear of her mother’s waning health increases, Clara begins to wonder what she really wants to do in her life. She enjoys managing the bookstore, but is there something more God has planned for her? And when Clara discovers the deed to the bookstore is missing, will she uncover it in time to preserve any hope and security of a future?
In 1915, Sadie Blackwell is entrusted with the wonderful duty of taking care of the books in Biltmore’s expansive library. She enjoys spending her days among the books, dreaming of the future she might have one day, Lord willing, as a bookstore owner. In her current profession as a servant, however, there aren’t many opportunities to own her own store; but Sadie believes God can make the impossible happen. And when an impossible love comes into Sadie’s life, will she have the courage to step out in faith, trusting God will make a way?
Oh goodness, this book was incredibly good. I enjoyed the slower pace of the story, which is usually a turn off for me. But Pepper Basham writes in such a way that you’ll not want to miss any minute details that could add to the story. I enjoyed empathizing with the story’s protagonists, and the romances in each timeline were sweet. The only element that lacked was the spiritual content. I felt like the characters could have leaned more on the Lord and the comfort of His Word in their most difficult moments. My rating for this book is ☕☕☕☕/5 coffees.
I’m excited to see what God will do with the blog this year! My goal is to read twenty-five books in 2022, and I will do my best to write a review on each one. What I’m most excited about this year is reading my Bible more, and drawing nearer to the Lord with the two new devotionals I got for Christmas! Join me in keeping in mind two verses while you’re working towards your goals this year: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” Philippians 4:13 KJV; and “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV.
Happy reading!
Books, Coffee, and Jesus 