Hope Uncharted: A Book Review

Sophia Ashton's new medical assitant job comes with the perks of living on the Colburn property, which includes being surrounded by a loving family-something she's never known. During the job's trial period, a patient puts Sophia in a questionable position. Now she must prove her competence or lose her job and home. Nicholas Vestal is working on a sheep farm to earn a starter flock, but before his contract is up, he inherits a house in the village. While fixing up the old house, he pursues Sophia, believing she is the woman God wants him to marry. But when Sophia's difficult past blocks Nicholas's plan, he must bind a way to her heart.

Meanwhile outside the land...When plant biologist Bailey Colburn is offered a research job, she knows Justin Mercer is playing her somehow. Working for the former naval flight officer sounds better than her other options in post-war Norfolk, even though Justin says he once met her long lost relatives. But when Justin introduces Bailey to the mysterious gray leaf tree, his unbelievable claims change her world.

I love to read series because it's like getting together with old friends. Recently, I had the opportunity to get reacquainted with the characters in Keely Brooke Keith's Uncharted series in her latest release, Uncharted Hope.

I love the way the author combines history and fantasy to create her story, and she provided plenty of details that allowed me to visualize the surroundings. I enjoyed the way she brought in the outside world to add an element of suspense to the plot. There were a couple of intriguing twists I didn't expect which added depth to the novel. I would have liked to see the "outsiders" developed a bit more, but that didn't detract from the book. Sophia and Nicholas are likeable, and Sophia's difficult and tragic childhood made me sad. I appreciated Nicholas' sensitive and caring attitude about that. I wish Sophia were more assertive, but she is a product of her era and acted in character.

The dialogue is well-written and natural and on several occasions uplifting and edifying. During a particularly moving scene one of the character's says, "Truly forgiving means releasing the offender from the demands of justice. It means no longer inwardly waiting for an apology or restitution for the wrongs committed against you, but it does not mean surrendering oneself to an abuser."

Uncharted Hope is easily read as a stand alone. Highly recommended.