Welcome to the Blog Tour for Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About The Book
Title: Abounding Hope
Series: Circle of Hope #1
Author: Cindy Kay Stewart
Publisher: Hope Springs Press LLC
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: WWII Christian Historical Romance
Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis.
It’s late August, 1939, and the world is on the brink of war. The Nazis are threatening Poland, but American teacher Irena Simmons refuses to flee to safety. She’s dedicated her life to serving in her church and school, and she’s watching over the little German boys she whisked to safety the year before. When her former classmate, Jonathan, surprises her in Lvov and insists she leave with him before the war starts, Irena balks. Nothing will interfere with her work—especially a man making demands.
American shipping magnate Jonathan Huntwell had a crush on Irena in school. When their former classmates select him to travel to Poland and escort her out before it’s too late, he doesn’t expect the inner turmoil she ignites in him. Although honor-bound to aid any friend in trouble, Jonathan acknowledges that Irena is more than an obligation to him. However, he must keep his feelings hidden, or he’ll jeopardize their friendship.
Irena soon discovers that the Gestapo agent she successfully evaded in Germany has found her in Poland, and he’s after her young charges. When the Germans invade, Jonathan is in Denmark on business, too far away to help. As the rising danger threatens everything Irena holds dear, she must find a way to protect those she loves.
Based on true events and backed by extensive research, Abounding Hope is sure to delight fans of WWII adventure cloaked in sweet romance. Come to the place where the war began and discover hope in the darkest places.
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon
Excerpt
Mama’s moan forced Irena to hold the receiver away from her ear.
“I woke up and could not go back to sleep. I turned on the radio.” Her voice changed to a whimper. “Oh, Irena, straszne, it is . . . terrible. What will we do?”
Irena took a calming breath. Willed her heart to slow down. Surely Mama overreacted to something on the news. “Whatever the Nazis have done, we can’t panic. We can’t give them power over us.”
“But . . . but . . . it’s too late! The Germans pour into Poland. From Germany, from Slovakia, from East Prussia . . . they bomb our cities.”
“What?” Was it really happening? Was Poland at war?
Irena’s hands shook, but she reached for the radio beside the phone. Static greeted her on the local station, so she turned the dial to the English Service Broadcast on Radio Warsaw. The announcer spoke in a monotone, as if he were sharing everyday news of nothing momentous.
“The German invasion of Poland has begun. The German Air Force and regular army unexpectedly invaded Polish territory without a declaration of hostilities. The German Air Force has bombed a number of towns throughout Poland. Casualties have been reported among the civilian population . . .”
Irena slumped to the floor and left the phone swinging like a pendulum on its too-short cord. “Oh, no, no, no!” She buried her face in her hands. “Lord, this wasn’t supposed to happen. Don’t let the Nazis get through. Don’t let them win.” She raised her eyes in appeal and tasted salty tears she didn’t remember shedding.
About The Author
Cindy Kay Stewart, a retired high school social studies teacher, current church pianist and Christian historical romance author, writes stories of hope, steeped in love, and anchored in faith. Passionate about revealing God’s handiwork in history, Cindy loves to research until she uncovers hidden gems to share with her readers. She resides in North Georgia with her college sweetheart and husband of forty-two years. Her daughter, son-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren live nearby.
Connect with Cindy by visiting cindykaystewart.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of Abounding Hope, and an e-book copy of Escape (true stories of escape from WWII)!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 9, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
I liked the excerpt
thanks so much for sharing about the book!
This looks like a very moving novel. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
Sounds like a book I would enjoy.
Sounds like a book I’d love to read!
Thank you for sharing. Abounding Hope sounds like one I’ll enjoy reading.