Does his future lie in the past? Thrown out of his element into a time not his own, he must overcome his doubts to save the life he never knew he wanted. Soldier, Hunter Bennet, is always in control… demons of failure, he finds himself thrown back in time. Why has God called him here?
Viola Thomas’s idyllic life in the new state of Colorado is shattered when her father fails to return from his winter trapping trip in the Rocky Mountains and a man tumbles into her life from the future. Threats from an unwanted suitor who has pestered her for years jeopardize all she holds dear. Now she must trust a man from a world far from her own.
Hunter must reach through the shadows of doubt to save his future but in doing so will he fail in the most important mission of all?
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Enjoyed the story of It was a pleasant novel to read, a sweet story with a beautiful content.
Vestige of Hope by Sara Blackard is the first book in her Vestige in Time series. After a tough mission, U.S. Army Delta Force soldier, Hunter Bennett is sent on leave. Taking the opportunity of a well-deserved rest, he goes for a run in the Colorado wilderness, never dreaming that his life will never be the same. He encounters a mountain lion that sends him tumbling down the mountain side 142 years into the past! Why was he sent back in time? Was it to help Viola Thomas or does God have a bigger plan for his life? There were several laugh-out-loud moments in this book. It was really a pleasure to read. I enjoyed the romance between Hunter and Viola and the danger that the Sweeney brothers brought balanced the story very well. A great fast-paced read.
I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.
My Thoughts on Vestige of Hope:
This is really unlike any other book I’ve read. It’s so unique in the whole time travel element. In this, God is the one who basically beams people around to other times and places. I mean, that could be really cool or really scary or both.
I had not read anything by this author before. Vestige of Hope read easily and kept me interested. The cover is gorgeous and definitely captured my attention.
Viola’s story definitely captured my interest. What would she do without her father and at the mercy of others and the elements? Could Hunter really help her? Was he someone she could trust?
It’s all a bit different than I’m used to in books which is what makes it so unique. I’m looking forward to the next book and definitely am recommending this book and the whole series to everyone. Even if you’re not a fan of fantasy fiction this time travel novel will draw you in and hold you captive.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Vestige of Hope begins Sara Blackard’s series, Vestige of Time. I enjoyed this story between Viola and Hunter from start to finish. I found they were relatable characters and I was intrigued with their tale. There is a lot going on that I always love in a book, history, romance, adventure, action and inspiration. The details were so well written, I felt like I was right there. I wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. I did not find it predictable, which was nice. The book is not very long, so I had it all read in one sitting.
I am giving Vestige of Hope four and a half stars. I look forward to reading the next installment from the Vestige of Time series, Vestige of Legacy. I recommend this one to readers who liked to be entertained by a clean historical romance. It is definitely not one to miss.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I appreciate the variety of books I read. This one falls into the category of ‘engaging’ in a way that keeps me coming back through multiple days. Some books I love are more of a quick read, like a ‘chick flick’ movie. This book isn’t a lengthy-feeling novel, but is kind of inbetween. I really liked getting to know the characters, enjoyed the setting, and appreciated the conflicts. The resolution was satisfying and timely. The pace was good and the dialogue was natural. Each character had a distinct voice. The sweet romance was handled wonderfully and the views on God were refreshing and not overt. I look forward to the others in the series!
Vestige of Hope by author Sara Blackard is a Christian Historical Time-Travel Romance. I was not sure I would enjoy this fictional tale of a modern man going back to the late 1800s, but I really did. The author did a great job.
Author Blackard has a nice style of writing. It is evident she writes Christian fiction because she makes no attempt to disguise or hide it. I love that. Her book has inspirational lessons, scripture, and life lessons tied together with a captivating story. I was immediately interested and soon found myself turning the pages as I could not wait to see what would happen next.
The characters were quaint, quirky, and unique. Most were easy to love and the scoundrels equally easy to detest. Viola Thomas and her feisty sister, Bea, were characters that became like friends. I could picture myself having coffee or tea with them. Modern man, Hunter, was a force to be reckoned with even though he was hurt.
I enjoyed watching the spiritual journey of some of the characters. It was quite inspirational and uplifting. This book has something for everyone. It had drama, mystery, humor, adventure, romance, and a good Christian message.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. Even if you are skeptical about the time travel element, the way it is presented using scripture and God’s mighty power make it sound plausible. I am eagerly awaiting book two. It receives 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.
An auspicious start to the Vestige in Time series by Sara Blackard, “Vestige of Hope” is a twist on the time traveler trope. Opening in the present day with Hunter, a US Army Delta Force officer on compulsory time off after a tragic outcome on a mission, his storyline very quickly merges with that of Viola Thomas and her sisters in 1877. The Thomases are anxiously awaiting the inexplicably-prolonged return of their father from the winter trapping season. When their paths merge, sparks fly in more ways than one.
I am not typically a fan of time travel stories or books that feature them, but I was pleasantly surprised by “Vestige of Hope.” Blackard manages to achieve the suspension of disbelief necessary for readers to enjoy this novel, while maintaining a realism that anchors her work firmly on the foundation of faith. Hunter begins this story with “his own demons of failure stalking just over his shoulder”, and as his faith matures he slowly comes to see beyond his failures to the realization that he is not meant to carry his burdens alone. Viola struggles to keep a positive outlook in her own situation, and having David stumble into her story opens her eyes and her heart to the beauty of miracles. She tells David, “I know God will bless you wherever He takes you, Hunter.” As the two grapple with their own obstacles to unashamed faith, God’s grace and mercy become ever more apparent. The lesson remains true for all of us: God is faithful, and He will take us through the storms of life, no matter how upending, in order to bring us closer to Him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Just imagine you are hiking in the breathtaking mountains, you meet a mountain lion, fall into a ravine and wake up 142 years earlier?! This is what happens to Hunter Bennett as he is on leave from the Army Delta Force. Rescued by Viola Thomas and her sister Beatrice, he is slowly nursed back to health as he attempts to understand what has occurred. All questioning ceases when he comes to the conclusion that God must have sent him back in time for a reason.
A lovely book that details what it was like to live high in the mountains before all the technology we have today. Mix that with a murder, kidnapping and home invasion and you have a story you won’t put down until you are finished. I particularly liked the grace extended by their brother, that same grace that God extends to all of us.
This digital copy was received through the author and CelebrateLit. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.
A Delta Force soldier doesn’t fit in 1877! What’s going on? Thus starts a wonderful romance/suspense story. I love the idea of God sending a rescuer from another time! When, as a reader, I have more questions than answers, I am enthralled! It was a Page-turner with the suspense being stretched out chapter after chapter. The story has it all: an on-going tension between past and future, a formidable enemy, and a beautiful romance.
Wow! This was such an interesting story…I couldn’t put it down. The whole time I was reading this, I kept thinking how much my mom would have loved this book! The whole time travel thing was very much up her ally. The prequel to this series got me hooked…now I’m in to the end!
Sara has a talent for romantic suspenseful time travel book. I fell in love with Sara’s writing in book 1, Vestige of Power that hooked me to the family and story line. The way Sara explained the time travel reminds us all that WITH GOD ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. You fall in love with the characters right away, you feel the uncertainty of Hunter as he wants to stay in the timeline he fell into but missing his family in the future, the way the sisters opened their home and their lives to Hunter and how God brought Hunter to them for “such a time as this”. It’s a great read and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
The story grabbed my attention right away because it was a book where two time periods are present. I love these stories because the two time periods have a distinctive reason to collide. My interest was piqued when Hunter finds himself back in 1877. I could sense his disorientation as he awakes in a strange place with two women dressed a bit different. It was funny when they didn’t know how to take off his backpack or what a cell phone was. The faith element was introduced early in the story. Why was Hunter sent back in time to this specific place?
Viola was quick to want to help Hunter but I know she questioned how he traveled there. Her wise sister explains how God does miracles and places people in places for His purpose. I loved how the author threaded the many times Jesus performed things that were hard to understand but definitely for a reason. I loved when Viola tells her sister Beatrice, “I don’t want you to get so enamored with the future that you become disconnected with the present.” I wonder how many times I have focused on the future and forgot about what was right in front of me?
Beatrice’s steadfast faith that she knew God had brought Hunter to them was very encouraging. It reminds me how we need to have faith even though we may not know the outcome. I really liked Beatrice and her no none sense way about her. She liked to get things done and had no time for idle chatter. It was interesting to see how quickly Hunter and Viola took to each other. There are a few moments in the story that may not be suitable for pre teens to read as the author talks about a relationship between a man and woman. The story does take a look at what God has planned for us and how we need to learn to trust Him. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.