She’s a mystery his heart longs to unravel.Phoebe Crain, once a lauded concert pianist, lives in anonymity after being disgraced by a wealthy man. For her daughter’s sake, Phoebe can’t afford a second mistake in love, yet each day brings a struggle to resist trusting in the integrity of a department store owner’s heir…another man of wealth.Spence Newland has fought for years to prove his … Newland has fought for years to prove his worthiness to take over the family business. But store scandals and his own insecurity threaten everything he has worked to achieve, even the future he’s come to envision with Phoebe.
Will they give in to their greatest fears or conquer them and unwrap the gift of a forever together?
Travel back to 1896 for a story one reviewer labeled “a lovely tale of the heart.”
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Unwrapping Hope by Sandra Ardoin is a heartwarming tale that sees a couple of adults changing their priorities in part because of a little child.
Pheobe Crain lives with her mother and her five year old daughter, Maura. She wants the best for her daughter and that means hiding her past.
Spencer Newland III manages a large, family owned department store in Riverport, a midwestern town.
Pheobe is wary of men because of a previous bad experience. She participates in a charity group called Widows Might.
The setting is in the steam train and horse and buggy days and this is nicely depicted. The characters are shown as struggling with some issues but are determined to let God lead them.
A short, sweet story with a great spiritual thread.
* I received an ecopy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Sandra Ardoin’s newest novella, Unwrapping Hope, introduces us to Phoebe Crain, her 5-year-old daughter Maura and Spence Newland.
Phoebe’s mantra could easily be “once bitten, twice shy.” She was deceived and mislead by a smooth-talking rich man. When she feels she’s being pursued by Spence Newland, she goes to extraordinary measures to remain aloof and sometimes even rude.
I can relate to Phoebe’s hesitance where Spence is concerned. She’s hurt and bewildered by her previous betrayal; she doesn’t want to set herself up for more duplicity.
I enjoyed little Maura so much. She had such sweet, abiding faith, and nothing dissuaded her from what she believed to be true, a story her mother told her about princes and princesses.
Unwrapping Hope is the perfect book to read curled up in your favorite chair while sipping your favorite hot beverage. Even though it is a novella, it is very well-written, and the characters feel authentic. I could just see myself as Phoebe’s friend, along with her mother, and how fun it would have been to spend a day with them and Maura!
Unwrapping Hope is based on historical fiction set near Christmastime. However, it’s not really a Christmas story. The novella portrays love, faith, healing, forgiveness and God’s love for His children in every season.
I received a copy of the book from the author. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
A really great Christian historical romance.
A sweet story of two young people bound by their pasts and afraid to open themselves up to the possibility of a better future. Phoebe’s past naivete and misjudgment of character and Spence’s fractured confidence place them in positions to self protect and put up barriers to trust. This is a sweet story of coming to terms with fear, personal predjudice and self imposed barriers to happiness.
I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed this short story. The plot, the timing, the themes, I just loved it all! It ends with Christmas, so it’d make a good Christmas read. I really appreciated how the MC’s were honestly flawed, but learned to admit their faults and find healing. While romance is probably, technically the main plot I felt like it didn’t overdo it and it was definitely complex enough to be interesting and enjoyable to someone who doesn’t usually read romance. I highly recommend it.
Unwrapping Hope is a heart-felt Christian romance set in an historical era. Phoebe Crain has secrets hidden in the past. Spence Newland is trying to live up to his family’s expectations of him. Between these two, the romance grows as their prejudices fade away. They both learn to trust in God through their trials and tribulations.
This sweet romance shows the power of faith without being too over the top. The characters have real trials that seem hopeless. Sandra Ardoin tells this calm tale, creating a sweet historical romance.
Unwrapping Hope is another fantastic book by Sandra Ardoin. I was drawn to the book when the cover image went past in one of my social media feeds, then I read the blurb and knew I had to pick up the book. I was pulled into the story immediately, wishing life wasn’t so hard for Phoebe. I felt Spence’s insecurities, and admired his attempts to push past them, trying to do the right thing. I enjoyed reading about the department store business during the time period, and the author used references to actual stores of the era, giving added realism. The characters, including secondary ones, are complex and interesting, and the antagonists aren’t fully “bad.” Lots of conflict and intrigue kept me turning pages.
Phoebe Crain wishes to remain in the shadows to keep her shameful secrets hidden. But when a lack of funds forces her to accept Spence Newland’s job offer, she must find the courage to face her past and live in the light for the sake of her daughter.
Spence Newland wishes to expand his business. To do that, he needs money. When a gift for a potential investor is given to the wrong person, Spence must retrieve the parcel before time runs out.
Ardoin drew me in with breadcrumbs bursting with promises and led me to the perfect ending. Along the way, I empathized with Phoebe as she struggled with the answers to her problems. I cheered for Spence as he chased his dreams. And in the middle of all this, I fell in love with a little sprite waiting at the train station.
Unwrapping Hope is a refreshing story of love, forgiveness, and mercy that you will not want to miss!
Review copy provided by the author, but I ordered my own copy. Opinions are my own.
When single mother, Phoebe Crain, strives to fulfill her daughter’s hope of receiving a dollhouse for Christmas, her desire leads to life-changing events. Phoebe, wanting to protect little Maura from the truth about her father, also keeps a secret about her own identity. But, she’s willing to share her special talent and risk exposure in order to give her daughter the gift she wants so much.
Spencer Newland is desperate to help his family’s legacy and department store from failing, and he’s convinced that diversifying with five-and-ten-cent stores is critical to their future. Unfortunately, records indicate merchandise is being stolen from the existing store. If word gets out, any investors might mistrust his ability to manage a successful business.
As a mother who would do anything to provide for her child, Phoebe is relatable. Spence is heroic in a variety of ways, and he shows his gentler side by how he interacts with his younger sister and Phoebe’s daughter. When Phoebe and Spence take time to help orphaned children, their generous and compassionate natures are evident, which makes them even more likable.
Both Spence and Phoebe are trying to move beyond their past, and when their paths cross, they discover the only way they might both get what they want is by pushing through their fears and using their gifts to help each other.
This novella is the prequel to the author’s upcoming series, A Widow’s Might, which features women who support each with mentoring and prayer. Readers are introduced to this delightful group in this historical romance. Unwrapping Hope is a charming story about love, sacrifice, and second chances. And although it’s set at Christmas time, it would be an enjoyable read any time of the year.
In this heartwarming novella of love, redemption, and second chances, Sandra Ardoin has put together a complete and neatly packaged story with believable characters, a blossoming romance, and strong inspirational messages. The very satisfying conclusion culminating at Christmas could leave the reader in the holiday spirit, sipping hot chocolate while contemplating the concepts of forgiveness and trust developed throughout the story. Looking forward to reading more by this author. Put this one on your TBR list!
Unwrapping Hope by Sandra Ardoin is the most charming Christian historical novella.
The story has the theme of fathers. Our earthly fathers may let us down but there is our faithful heavenly Father who longs for us to come to Him and rest in Him.
Linked to this is the theme of taking care of the widows and orphans. Within the novel characters with huge hearts care for those who have less. The reader is reminded that there are no orphans in God’s kingdom as He adopts us all into His family.
We need to trust God and go with His plans rather than forcing through our own. “If the door… shut, he trusted God had a better plan.”
It is important to listen to God. “Sometimes we have to listen hard, because He speaks through a still, small voice.” Sometimes we think that God is not speaking when in fact it is us who are not listening.
There are some delightful characters who just take up residence in the reader’s heart. I adored five year old Maura, her trust and faith reminds the reader that we are to come to God with a child-like faith. Too often we try to work it out in our own strength when we should be trusting Him.
I adore all Sandra Ardoin’s books. They are always delightful and leave me smiling.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
This charming and heartwarming novella opens at the start of the Christmas season. I liked the two main characters, Phoebe and Spence, and enjoyed watching as they moved past the preconceived notions each had for the other.
The story moved at a good pace and I had plenty of time to get to know the characters and care about what happened to them. I felt uplifted by the end of the story and hopeful that the future held good things for Phoebe and Spence. I would have loved this novella to have had an epilogue at the end and I am looking forward to reading more books from this series.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
What a fantastic novella! I absolutely loved this story. In Unwrapping Hope Phoebe has a difficult past that makes her wary of rich, powerful men. Spence owns the local department store and therefore Phoebe is quite cautious around him. When they begin to work together they form a friendship, but Phoebe keeps him at arms length. I really loved how this story develops and it reads nothing like a novella. It is full and delightful! It’s also the prequel to the Widow’s Might series. I’m immensely looking forward to this new series!
I received a complimentary ecopy of this story from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.