A Fragile Hope

A Fragile Hope
Cynthia Ruchti
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1426791505
April 2017/320 pages/$14.99
Hope grows when seeds are planted—even in the muddy middle of life.

Josiah Chamberlain's life's work revolves around repairing other people's marriages. When his own is threatened by his wife's unexplained distance, and then threatened further when she's unexpectedly plunged into an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and clever quips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken.

Feeling betrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this crippling, he reexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and the strength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Will what’s left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing that holds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall that separates them?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hope. She’s the award-winning author of 16 books and a frequent speaker for women’s ministry events. She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors and books they love. She lives with her husband in Central Wisconsin. Visit her online at CynthiaRuchti.com and on Facebook and Twitter.


MY THOUGHTS

Every time I read a book by Cynthia Ruchti, I am awed by the gift God has bestowed on her...the ability to craft a story and communicate hope in such a beautiful and powerful manner. There are so many things to love about this novel, beginning with the exquisite cover and irresistible title. And oh, the story! Though her brushstrokes are made typing on a computer, Ruchti transforms mere words into a work of art. Josiah and Karin are easy to relate to, which makes the story that much more compelling and touching. While most of the story is written from Josiah's perspective, Karin's voice and thoughts are included throughout, and my heart ached for both of them. Although it was initially easy to be annoyed with Josiah, Ruchti wisely avoids making him a caricature, and I empathized with his struggles. Read this one with the tissue box nearby, although wry and humorous moments lighten the story, just as smiles and sorrow often intertwine in real life. Though a tenuous thread is all that separates our everyday routines from the unexpected, A Fragile Hope reminds us that just a tiny seed of faith can make a mountain of difference. Anyone familiar with Cynthia Ruchti's books know that this is a must-read. For those just discovering this gifted author, this may be the first you read of her work, but it won't be the last!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”