Josiah Chamberlain’s life’s work revolves around repairing otherpeople’s marriages. When his own is threatened by his wife’s unexplaineddistance, and then threatened further when she’s unexpectedly plungedinto an unending fog, Josiah finds his expertise, quick wit and cleverquips are no match for a relationship that is clearly broken. Feelingbetrayed, confused, and ill-equipped for a crisis this … crisis this crippling, hereexamines everything he knows about the fragility of hope and thestrength of his faith and love. Love seems to have failed him. Willwhat’s left of his faith fail him, too? Or will it be the one thing thatholds him together and sears through the impenetrable wall thatseparates them?
more
I don’t read as many contemporary books as I do historical. This is one of the best novels I’ve read this year. It was deeply personal and deeply emotional. A very different kind of novel. There is an overarching romantic thread, but it’s not like most romances. I don’t want to give away too much, but I really understood it, since I’ve had to be a caretaker for my husband sometimes during our almost 55 years of marriage. This story drew me into the heart of the situations. I became ensnared by the story line, and it wouldn’t let me go until the very end. Cynthia Ruchti has such a wonderful understanding of characters and situations that are outside normal novel channels. You won’t want to miss this one!!!!!
I received this book from the author for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. This was a wonderful story for remembering to always tell those you love that you love them. It is a book that you need to make sure that you have a few tissues around when you read. I hope that everyone takes the time to stop and read this book and really take in what is being said.
A Fragile Hope is an emotional, heart-stirring read. A character-driven story, this novel compelled me to keep on reading to see what would happen within the hearts and minds of these characters. Josiah Chamberlain was a character that endeared himself to me, despite what I felt was a lack of trust on his part. Josiah’s character displayed a realistic gamut of emotions and his voice is in turns wry, humorous, and conflicted. Most of all, it comes across as very real.
Despite focusing on such heavy topics – infidelity, death, and illness – I never felt bogged down with sadness as I read this story. The author added some gems of secondary characters. I especially love Nancy, a fellow ICU regular, as well as Josiah’s father-in-law, Stan. The focus on Josiah’s inner-journey, as compared with the profound silence coming from the one person that he both desired and dreaded to hear from, makes for a poignant, genuine change on the part of his character.
The novel is also a great example of how in-depth third person narration can go. As a reader that prefers first person in general, third person tends to be hard to get into, but I read 100 pages of this novel in a very brief sitting. It pulled me in almost immediately, and Ruchti a great job with that narration style.
This is the first full-length novel that I’ve read by Ruchti, and I’ll definitely be looking for books on her backlist to add to my TBR list. Recommended for readers looking for an emotionally deep read, that deals with tough topics in a delicate yet genuine way.
A Fragile Hope will stay in my mind forever. The author tells a story that includes heartbreak and sadness that turns into hope and joy. I didn’t want this story to end. I felt as if the characters were friends of mine and I was cheering them on during the whole story. Details of emotions and thoughts expressed by the characters touched my heart and soul. This is an excellent story. Be sure to bring the tissues when you read this amazing story. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest personal opinion.
This was a wonderful book! I was sitting in a restaurant two different times eating dinner and reading the book with tears flowing down my face! Such a moving story and so many examples of grace demonstrated throughout.
The author has done a fabulous job of drawing you into the lives of the Chamberlains from the very first page. You are waiting anxiously to see how the story will unfold. You will experience how people handle issues in a different way…some with grace and some with exasperation and impatience. I really liked how the doctors and nurses could be so different in their approaches and how these differences affected the patient and the family members.
The sayings at the beginning of each chapter were so touching. I took pictures so I could remember them. One of my favorite examples was:
“No matter how high your problems mount, remember the One who scales mountains with the same elegance as when He walks on water.”
Absolutely beautiful! I felt a sense of love and caring surround me knowing the He is there through it all!
I cannot begin to describe how moving this story was and how it touched me to the depth of my soul. How do I show grace in my everyday life? Do I share just my “leftovers” with someone in need, or do I take the time to share an entire meal…plus dessert…with that person.
This is one to put on your TBR list. But don’t wait too long before you read it. It will move you to tears, it will make your heart ache, but it will leave you with a hope that, while sometimes fragile, will be lifted up and soar on wings.
Cynthia Ruchti has a way with words. The book was difficult to read because of the main character being in a coma while her husband copes with his ego. A very inspirational real.
Wow! What a book. To tell you the truth, when I first started “A Fragile Hope” I was wondering why I even said I’d review it. But, I kept reading and boy was I in for some soul searching myself. Josiah Chamberlain has a long road ahead of him. His wife has distanced herself from him and before she can explain she’s in a horrible car accident. Now, everything that Josiah holds dear is under attack. His faith is sorely tested right along with his marriage vows of ‘for better or worse’. When looking for answers he comes across the phrase “On the night He was betrayed” …. That started him thinking and praying. When the lines of communication are severed all kinds of problems arise. He learns that there is always Hope; even though sometimes it’s fragile; But if you plant seeds they can grow even in mud. I started looking at myself and wondering am I doing enough? Have I been neglectful by not listening? And that phrase “On the night He was betrayed”; have I really been grateful enough for what He went through that night for ME?
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.