Ten Stories With HOPE In the Title

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You might have noticed, but this year has been pretty tough. Not in an arbitrary "I'm having a rough year" kind of way, but in an honest-to-goodness, heartache-the-whole-world-over kind of way. Everyone I talk to is weary. We all need some hope.

Here are ten books with the word 'hope' in the title. They come from a variety of genres—historical romance, women's fiction, contemporary romance, Amish, Biblical fiction. If you need to inject some HOPE into your reading, maybe check out one of these books below!

"A Passionate Hope" by Jill Eileen Smith
The Biblical story of Hannah told in fictionalized form. Hannah knew a little something about heartache and disappointment!

"Undaunted Hope" by Jody Hedlund
Tessa Taylor's new teaching position is nothing like she hoped and dreamed, but can she find joy through the difficult winter?

"A Desperate Hope" by Elizabeth Camden
An entire town about to be wiped off the map—can two people with complicated pasts save Duval Springs before it's too late?

"The Hope of Refuge" by Cindy Woodsmall
With a past including foster care, homelessness, and a stalker, Cara hopes to find sanctuary and healing in Amish country.

"Her Hope Discovered" by Cynthia Herron
Charla's move to the Missouri Ozark brings charm, hope, and love to her life in greater degrees than she's known before.

"A Fragile Hope" by Cynthia Ruchti
This marriage counselor can't explain the distance with his own wife. When a medical crisis further threatens, can they find joy once more?

"Room For Hope" by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Life for Neva is forever changed when she learns of her husband's death and his betrayal. This story's twists and turns surprised me.

"The Hope of Azure Springs" by Rachel Fordham
She rode the orphan train as a child and found a new home, but she never forgot her sister. Years later, can they possibly find each other?

"Hope's Highest Mountain" by Misty M. Beller
Ingrid's delivery brings back the most haunting part of Caleb's past, but the good of his rugged Montana community must be considered.

"Hope Springs" by Kim Cash Tate
Small towns, big families, and the life of two churches take center stage in this community-driven novel.

Find more Top Ten Tuesday posts at That Artsy Reader Girl.

"Where Dandelions Bloom" by Tara Johnson

She has no choice. Cassie Kendrick can't marry the man her alcoholic father has picked for her. After years of suffering under her father's hand, she's not going to be passed off to someone just like him. Donning an old pair of her father's clothes and chopping off her hair, Cassie runs away to join the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry, posing as a boy and taking the name Thomas Turner.

Photographer Gabriel Avery wants more than the tenement slum upbringing he's known. The beginning of The War Between The States opens a door of opportunity for him, and he signs on to photograph the battles. Perhaps he can make a name for himself. He soon finds himself following the Second Michigan as they move from place to place.

Cassie, a.k.a. Thomas, is making a name as a marksman, substitute nurse, and spy. She keeps her head down and does her duty, making few friends and giving no one the opportunity to uncover her identity.

This Civil War novel brings the grittiness of the era into full focus. I wouldn't recommend reading it if gory details bother you, though they aren't as prevalent as they could have been. The author clearly did her research on different battles and social issues of the day.

I felt the first half of the novel was strong, but it dragged a bit in the second half. I understand the pacing needed to fit the actual historical timeline, but also the characters seemed to stare at the same issues without making forward progress until some sudden revelations at the end. The book also contained some tropes that I don't like, though I realize that is strictly personal preference. The portrayal of the confederates and the freed slaves seemed a little problematic as well.

Overall, if you enjoy historical fiction or stories or capable women shining in a male-dominated world, I believe you would enjoy Where Dandelions Bloom.