Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli

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1916/1993 – Massachusetts

From award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli comes a sweeping dual timeline story that explores hope and enduring love in the midst of the impossible.

Massachusetts, 1993

After making a grievous mistake that will change her life forever, Emily Robertson is sent away to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. When Emily finds a timeworn photograph buried in a drawer, she realizes her grandmother has concealed a secret even bigger than her own. Will convincing Gram to reveal their family history help Emily make the most important decision of her life or will it prove her parents right—that family scandal is better off buried and forgotten?

Massachusetts, 1916

Atta Schaeffer plans to marry the man of her dreams and whisk her little sister away from their abusive father. But when she is diagnosed with a dreaded malady, Atta is forced into a life of exile, leaving her sister in harm’s way.

On Penikese Island, Atta’s best hope lies with Harry Mayhew, a doctor who seeks a cure for his patients at any cost. But when experiments fail, Atta runs from Harry—and from God. Can she return to her sister before it’s too late? Or will her illness consume both her body and soul?

One Comment

Hope among tears.
This story captured my interest with its tale of a leper colony in 1916. It showed that even when you think hope is gone: “Hope is often birthed in the midst of pain.”
It is told through the eyes of Gertie, who lived through a terrible time with her sister, Atta. She is telling her granddaughter, Emily, in order to minister to her since Emily feels like an outcast. “Jesus sought out the poor, the ostracized and oppressed. The sick and downtrodden. The outcast. And they were always the first to respond to Him. His kingdom truly is an upside-down one, and I quit like that.”
Both time lines kept my interest. I like to see the way history could be made relevant in the modern time line. As always, the author meshes the two stories to bring us spiritual truths such as redemption, forgiveness and hope. She shows how not every secret needs to be hidden away- it just might be able to help someone in their faith journey, if it is revealed. “God using weakness to display His Strength. Absurd.” Yes God uses even the weak.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hope Creek Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.”

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Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli