We Hope for Better Things

We Hope for Better Things

By Erin Bartels

The topic of this novel is race. But wait! Don’t stop reading! I know, it can be a touchy subject, but Bartels paints an incredible tableau with a very steady hand. We follow three female protagonists living in three separate eras: Civil war, the 1960s, and present day. Each woman ends up living in the same house, adding to its secrets. You almost get three stories for the price of one, but truly, they are all parts of the same story, and that story revolves around the 1967 Detroit riot.

If you’re looking for a little light reading, don’t despair. This story is truly all about the women. Each era depicts a bi-racial love story and the repercussions which vary depending on the times.

It’s fascinating reading. From the first slave who finds refuge on this northern farm during the civil war, to the elderly woman who refuses to remember what she has tried so hard to forget, to the woman who cut up her fancy dresses to make an exquisite quilt, these people will find a place inside your heart. And trust me, when you read the last page, you will not be ready to let them go.

In a time when race is only one of many lines that seem to divide us, this book does exactly the opposite. It's a story about humanity and coming together and loving against all odds. 

We Hope for Better Things is a brand new book with fresh writing and a refreshing look at an age-old problem. In fact, as the title states, it makes me Hope for Better Things. 

The Armor of God

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. – Ephesians 6:13

At no time in history have we needed the full armor of God more. The fiery darts of the wicked one are coming from all directions. But we are not without protection.

Gird your waist with truth. Who can we believe anymore? There was a time when journalism could be trusted. Yes, the press has always slanted the news, but these days the finest magazines and articles are riddled with unsubstantiated facts written by well-respected journalists. How are we to tell the truth in all the mumbo-jumbo? Consider the source. Trust the testimony of two or three witnesses. Perhaps most of all, use the discernment of the Holy Spirit Who resides within.

Put on the breastplate of righteousness. None of us are righteous without Christ. Repentance is essential. Daily. Repentance is a process, not a one-time thing. And we must not forget to support those who fight for righteousness. Don’t let our fellow-laborers stand alone. In our politically correct world, I fear we are too silent.

Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Yes, be prepared to spread the gospel. This is our foundation and daily Bible study is necessary.

Take the shield of faith with you. Those fiery darts are incoming more often. Our faith is tested as never before. Good is called bad and bad is called good. How can we withstand the arguments without our shield before us?

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. The word of God affirms our salvation, and that sword cuts deep—into the marrow. We live in a culture that doesn’t want to hear the truth and will flock to those who tell them lies to affirm their evil ways. If we proclaim the Word boldly, as we should, we won’t survive without that helmet on our heads and the sword in hand.

I pray that each of us will put on the full armor of God and fight the good fight, counting it a blessing to be on the winning side.

I used Ephesians 6:12 as the Scripture reference for my historical romantic suspense, Pursued, since it's about an idealistic librarian and a troubled rancher who fight wickedness in high places, and not always wearing their armor. 

Carianne Barlow never expected to leave her comfortable Philadelphia townhouse and travel to the wild-west, but when she inherits a fortune, conditions are attached. She must carry out her grandmother’s vision of a western culture center anchored by a library to rival those of the east. Such an undertaking requires political support, and no one is more influential than Rhyan Cason, a handsome cattle baron with the reputation of hardened businessman and rabble rousing lobbyist. Carianne gets on the westbound train with no thought of the treacherous world awaiting her in the little prairie town near Rhyan’s sprawling ranch.

When Rhyan asks her to catalog his library, Carianne jumps at the chance without considering the ramifications. She learns too late Rhyan is pursued by a sinister enemy determined to destroy everything he cares for—including her.

Be sure to check the Weekly Windup to see if you're a winner!

Reader Reaction: The Lady of Bolton Hill

The Lady of Bolton Hill opens with a bang and never stops moving. I lost quite a bit of sleep staying up late to read “just one more chapter.” This was the fourth novel of Elizabeth Camden’s I have read, and I can’t decide which one is my favorite. Set in the 1800s, all her stories feature strong female protagonists who struggle with real-life issues. Impeccably researched, the books’ topics range from child labor and the opium trade (The Lady of Bolton Hill) to the early days of finding a cure for TB (With Every Breath).

It is 1879, and American journalist Clara Endicott is in London writing articles to shed light on the plight of London’s poor. When she is jailed for refusing to name one of her sources, she begins to question her career. Receiving a last minute reprieve before her trial, she returns home to Baltimore where she finds herself on opposite sides of an issue with her childhood sweetheart, Daniel Tremain. Bitter over the death of his father, Daniel is waging a one-man war against the person he holds responsible. While trying to help Daniel see his need for God’s grace, Clara is swept into a miasma of intrigue and subterfuge eventually putting her life in danger.

Author Elizabeth Camden’s realistic dialogue and vivid descriptions draw the reader into the era. The message of salvation and forgiveness are woven throughout the story without being preachy or clichéd. A stand-alone book, The Lady of Bolton Hill features a minor, yet fascinating anti-hero who shows up in a later book as the male protagonist. The story and its characters stayed with me long after I turned the last page.

Remember to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for Sins of the Mothers by Stitches author Caryl McAdoo! Check the Weekly Windup on June 1 to see if you're the winner.

A freelance writer for over twelve years, Linda Matchett also writes historical fiction. She is currently seeking a publisher for her series about war correspondent Ruth Brown. Visit her at www.LindaShentonMatchett.com

AP vs. UP: So, what's the difference?

Ruth Brown, the main character in my stories, is a small town reporter in New Hampshire who signs up with the Associated Press (AP) to cover World War II in Europe. Why didn’t I have Ruth join the United Press Associations (UP)? To be honest I simply picked one, thinking it didn’t matter. Now that I’ve researched both organizations, I realize how very different they are.

By the time WWII began, the AP was nearly 100 years old having been started by five New York City newspapers in 1846. Prior to that, news was delivered through the United States Postal Service. With the Mexican War in full swing, the AP needed a faster system. As a result the five newspapers joined together to fund a pony express route through Alabama.



Mark Kellogg, AP reporter who died with Custer

Time passed, and the AP took advantage of new technology as it was invented. First the railroad then telegraph and teletype, followed by wire then radio. In 2005, the AP created a digital database that according to their website has “allowed the agency to deliver news instantly…nearly as quickly as the news itself unfolds.”

On the other hand, United Press Association was an upstart in the early days of WWII. Founded in 1907 it was just over thirty years old at the start of the war. The founder, E.W. Scripps, began UP in an effort to break the AP monopoly on the U.S. news dissemination industry. UP had fewer resources, so armed itself with a “we try harder attitude” and reporters who would do just about anything to get the story. UP reporters were called “Unipressers” and were known for being highly competitive. With no formal training program, journalists were expected to “sink or swim” on their own.

In 1935, UP became the first major news service to supply news to radio stations, beating out AP by several years. The organization grew through WWII, and in 1952 acquired Acme News pictures which enabled them to offer news picture services. During its heyday, UP had more than 6,000 employees and over 6,200 subscribers.

In 1958, UP merged with International News to become United Press International, however the company did not fare well during the rise of television and struggled to maintain its market. A series of owners and two bankruptcy filings have taken their toll on the organization. As of 2007, UPI no longer has a White House correspondent or UN coverage, instead focusing expanding operations in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, and reporting on security threats, intelligence and energy issues. Now, located in only six major cities, the UPI website cites its use of “lay reporters, photographers and videographers, and a plethora of sources to publish and receive information.”

As a scrappy, young “newshound,” Ruth may find the United Press Associations more to her liking. What do you think?

 

 

 

A freelance writer for over ten years, Linda Matchett also writes historical fiction. She is currently seeking a publisher for her series about war correspondent Ruth Brown. Visit her at www.LindaShentonMatchett.com