
We Hope for Better Things
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Narrated by:
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Stina Nielsen
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By:
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Erin Bartels
About this listen
"We Hope for Better Things has it all: fabulous storytelling, an emotional impact that lingers long after you turn the last page, and a setting that immerses you. I haven't read such a powerful, moving story since I read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. This book will change how you look at the world we live in. Highly recommended!" (Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author of the Rock Harbor series and The View from Rainshadow Bay)
"A timely exploration of race in America, We Hope for Better Things is an exercise of empathy that will shape many a soul. Erin Bartels navigates this sensitive topic with compassion as she shifts her readers back and forth between past and present, nudging us to examine the secrets we keep, the grudges we hold, and the prejudices we may help create even without intention." (Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of Perennials)
When Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich, his strange request - that she look up a relative she didn't know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos - seems like it isn't worth her time. But when she loses her job after a botched investigation, she suddenly finds herself with nothing but time.
At her great-aunt's 150-year-old farmhouse, Elizabeth uncovers a series of mysterious items, locked doors, and hidden graves. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding. And as Elizabeth soon discovers, the past is never as past as we might like to think.
Debut novelist Erin Bartels takes listeners on an emotional journey through time - from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to the Underground Railroad during the Civil War - to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.
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The Complete Series 6 Books in one boxed set! Clean and Wholesome American mail order bride historical western short story romance. 1880, Bear Creek, Oregon Step back in time to the untamed Wild West and immerse yourself in a heartwarming saga of love, faith, and perseverance. After losing their parents, six sisters in Boston face a harsh reality: survival is becoming impossible. When mail-order bride advertisements promise a fresh start, they see a glimmer of hope. With courage in her heart, Sadie, the eldest sister, takes the first leap, embarking on a life-changing journey to Bear Creek,...
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Good, wholesome books.
- By Scout on 04-02-25
By: Katie Wyatt, and others
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The Justice Game
- By: Randy Singer
- Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte
- Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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In The Justice Game by Christy Award-winning author Randy Singer, a brutal murder triggers a gun-rights debate with wide-ranging consequences. When a man guns down a pregnant reporter on live TV, her husband sues the manufacturer of the killer's firearm. As opposing lawyers ignite the courtroom with their eloquence and theatrics, a shadowy cabal threatens the advocates and the justice they seek.
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An Interesting Take on a Complicated Issue
- By Woody on 01-01-17
By: Randy Singer
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Angels Watching Over Me
- The Shenandoah Sisters, Book 1
- By: Michael Phillips
- Narrated by: Susan Spain
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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Michael Phillips is one of today's most popular Christian authors. He has written more than four dozen novels, with over five million copies in print. Angels Watching Over Me is the first book in a stirring saga that follows two women, one black, one white, in the aftermath of the Civil War.
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Great Start- ending left u hanging!
- By America on 10-04-16
By: Michael Phillips
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The Accidental Guardian
- By: Mary Connealy
- Narrated by: Morgan Hallett
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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Trace Riley has been self-appointed guardian of the trail ever since his own wagon was attacked. When he finds the ruins of a wagon train, he offers shelter to survivor Deborah Harkness and the children she saved. Trace and Deborah grow close working to bring justice to the trail, but what will happen when the attackers return to silence the only witness?
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Ended abruptly
- By Snickidoodle on 06-02-18
By: Mary Connealy
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The Scarlet Thread
- By: Francine Rivers
- Narrated by: Angela Rogers, Alma Cuervo
- Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Sierra Madrid's life has just been turned upside down when she discovers the handcrafted quilt and journal of her ancestor Mary Kathryn McMurray, a young woman who was uprooted from her home only to endure harsh conditions on the Oregon Trail. Though the women are separated by time and circumstance, Sierra discovers that many of the issues they face are remarkably similar. By following Mary Kathryn's example, Sierra learns to surrender to God?s sovereignty and unconditional love.
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Deeply Wounding
- By WeRLoved on 06-10-16
By: Francine Rivers
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House on the Harbor
- Birch Harbor Saga, Book 1
- By: Elizabeth Bromke
- Narrated by: Lisa Larsen
- Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
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Kate Hannigan's in charge of her late mother's estate, and she has a plan: divide everything evenly, including the old family house on the harbor. What she doesn't realize is that her mother changed the will. Meanwhile, her sister, Amelia, a struggling off-Broadway actress, enlists her hapless construction boyfriend to help with a local project, but he's more interested in summer tourists. Second-youngest, Megan, is preoccupied with her divorce, but not too preoccupied to make a dating profile, much to her sisters' mortification. Baby of the family, Clara, is single, refusing to date.
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This book is painful to get through
- By SRob on 12-16-24
By: Elizabeth Bromke
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On the Mountain of the Lord
- By: Ray Bentley, Bodie Thoene
- Narrated by: Ray Bentley
- Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Jack Garrison lost his wife and their only child in a car accident, and thereafter lost his faith. In this dramatic novel, the 33-year-old skeptic experiences the mysterious wonder of being caught up in visions, dreams, and real-life experiences. Listeners journey with Jack throughout the Holy Land and also globally, from his home in London to the furthest corners of the world.
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Great Book - Disappointing Audio
- By Amazon Customer on 12-31-18
By: Ray Bentley, and others
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Her Family Secret
- By: Melissa Wiesner
- Narrated by: Ann Marie Gideon
- Length: 9 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
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June Westwood is devastated by the news the father she never met has died. Now the truth about why Jasper abandoned her as a child will be buried forever. Escaping to the secluded beach house she's inherited, June hopes to spend time bonding with her two little daughters, away from her hectic job and failing marriage. On the wild shores of the Pacific Northwest, her father's hideaway leaves June breathless. But it's his oil paintings decorating every wall that surprise her most.
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Interesting Dramatic Love Story
- By T Cole on 11-04-24
By: Melissa Wiesner
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Cottonwood Whispers
- By: Jennifer Erin Valent
- Narrated by: Kate Forbes
- Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Although Jessilyn and Gemma’s friendship has weathered the storms of heartache and prejudice, the turbulent summer of 1936 threatens to shatter the ties that bind. After the hit-and-run death of a little girl, Gemma’s explosive revelation could save an innocent man’s life—but not without jeopardizing the livelihood of Jessilyn’s family.
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Should be a movie
- By ML on 04-04-25
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Hidden Places
- By: Lynn Austin
- Narrated by: Ruth Ann Phimister
- Length: 15 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Fragrant blossoms herald spring, but the orchard is also a place of secrets and heartache. After the death of her husband Frank, Eliza is left with three young children and mounting debts. When a gentle stranger enters her orchard, she experiences a peculiar sensation of familiarity with the man. But will his unknown past jeopardize all that she has fought for?
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Austin is Wonderful
- By Karen on 06-24-07
By: Lynn Austin
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Her Mother’s Hope
- By: Francine Rivers
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
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Internationally best-selling author Francine Rivers—winner of a Christy Award and the ECPA Gold Medallion—crafts a riveting tale of mother/daughter bonds stretching across decades. Strong-willed Marta leaves Switzerland early in the 20th century and settles in California. Though Marta loves her eldest daughter Hildie, they often clash as they attempt to find their places in the world.
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Another Awesome Read From Francine
- By Meaghan Bynum on 04-12-10
By: Francine Rivers
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The Proposal
- The English Garden Series, Book 1
- By: Lori Wick
- Narrated by: Virginia Leishman
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
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Acclaimed, best-selling author Lori Wick’s The Proposal is a moving tale of Christ’s love at work in early 19th-century London. William Jennings is not married and likes it that way. But when a relative passes away, he is suddenly guardian of three young children. This unexpected development provides him a male heir without the bother of a wife, yet the children quickly become more than he can handle. Finding help from a truly remarkable woman, he learns to see the world in a completely different light.
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Wonderful story!
- By Tammy on 01-24-12
By: Lori Wick
What listeners say about We Hope for Better Things
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- Bliss
- 08-01-19
Captivating and thought provoking!
I have no idea how many books I have read and listened to this year, but this is, by far, the best book I have listened to this year and maybe the best book I have listened to in the last couple years. I loved this story!!!
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12 people found this helpful
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- patricia lindo
- 08-02-19
Great book
Loved this book, I found myself not wanting stop listening. From beginning to the end it kept me captivated.
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- RRye
- 07-22-19
Excellent, Exciting and Enjoying
First , let me say it's a treat to listen to a book not consumed by vulgar language, thank you Erin Bartels.
Second, the story was executed with just enough secrets from each timeline to keep you wanting more.
Third, I didn't want it to end!
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- Regina
- 08-01-19
I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed this book. It was hard at first to separate the Narrator's settings, however once you start getting into it it gets deep and she really takes you back into that time.
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- Jen Si
- 12-01-19
So beautiful: rich and haunting story
Simply beautiful story of history and family and memories.
A young reporter's life takes a detour as she is sent to look after her elderly relative in an old house that has been in the family for centuries.
The author seamlessly blends three histories into one compelling story that is full of surprises, turns, and surprisingly poignant moments.
The narration is unobtrusive and smooth, and the author deals with terrifying and tragic events with a light and honest hand.
Definitely recommend!
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- Betty Cook-Finner
- 07-11-21
I never leave a written review
May I just say every person in our “United” States of America should read and enjoy this amazing story… it covers so many facets, emotions. The human side I hope that is in all of us… I won’t say more than it’s a must and was a most enjoyable read not to be passed up.
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- Kari Hewer
- 08-11-19
great story of time and family history
it's great to listen to a story of lives lived. the connections we make and lose and how life always comes around to teach the secrets of the past
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- Lady Marie
- 07-09-20
where is book 2 ..... I need to know what uncovere
this book told 3 stories in 1 amazing... I was so into it I could barely put it down
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- From Oregon
- 04-02-20
One of the very best historical fiction books!!!
I loved every piece of this beautiful story. I think the author is brilliant to tie all those stories, generations and people together! I haven't read a great book like this for so long!!! A MUST READ!!!!
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- Amazon Customer
- 05-20-20
Fantastic!
Loved it and could not stop listening.
Wonderful history lesson, drama and love story! Great book .
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