Welcome to the Hope Chronicles Blog Hop and Kick-off! We’ve been waiting for months to share our journey with you so keep reading for a new letter from sweet, spunky Rosa and also for information on some fabulous (!) prize packages that will be given away this week. So first off, what is The Hope Chronicles?
The Hope Chronicles is a blog hop and journal between 5 historical romance authors. Our desire is to bring you lasting hope through these letters, grounded in the hope of our Lord that does not disappoint, and written from the fictional viewpoints of each bookās heroine. Weāre so glad to have you join the event. Each day this week, a new Hope Chronicles post will go live, complete with a journal entry and a new giveaway for that blog post.
To read more about the project and enter to win the one-of-a-kind, hand-inscribed Hope Chronicles journal, which bounced from state to state until all five of us had spent some time with it, click here.
To find your way to the other four blog posts and enter each of the five Hope Chronicles prize bundle giveaways, read on! We have a list for you at the bottom of this post.
In these blogs you have a chance to read what was handwritten in the Hope Journal and today we start with Rosa’s entry.
My Hope: Rosa Garner
Never did I think I would write a letter to myself. Lists of items for market or sketches of embroidery designsāthese I write. Nothing more. The lady on the train held this book before me. Her face glowed with strength. Her voice carried tones of an angel.
“You write in it,” she said. “A letter to yourself.”
And so I thought her loco.
I mustāve laughed because my mother-in-law frowned. “Rosa,” Louise said, “itās a journal. With the journey we have ahead, you ought to record your thoughts. Someday youāll enjoy looking at how far God brought us.”
But I cannot write on a train. The book jumps beneath my pen. Two pages I blot and rip out. Now I am home. At my husbandās home in Texas, rather. His farm that he abandoned for Mexico. His farm he will never see again.
Write my thoughts? They are theseā
Why should I walk ground that belonged to him while he is buried beneath my soil?
Why should his people welcome me when mine rejected him?
Was Godās plan for me ruined when Mack died?
Ā 
This pattern will go on a cloth to cover a table. I will use thread the red of the cardinal for the inner petals, gold for the outer and the green of the parrot for the leaves.
If someday I read this to remember my thoughts then I should record that it is May of 1878. The exact day I do not know, but I will learn it soon enough. I will mark the passing of each sun solemnly. In three months Louise must pay her taxes. How she will do this I do not know, but if she does not she will lose our farm. I will lose Mackās home.
I hold a chick in my hand. It squirms. Its sharp feet push against my palm struggling for freedom. Is this how it escaped from the egg? I imagine it in darkness, growing bigger every day. The prison growing tighter every day. I do not like small places. My lungs squeeze until I see the sky open above me. But the chick doesnāt know the sky. He doesnāt know what he will find when he cracks the egg.
I tell Louise this. Every day our worries weigh more. I canāt see even a crack of light in the shell. She says that God keeps it dark so we will have faith in Him.
She says,Ā “Es pues la fe la sustancia de las cosas que se esperan, la demostraciĆ³n de las cosas que no se ven.”
She is proud of her Spanish.
I remember Hebrews. I remember that hope in the dark is faith. What I do not know is when the shell breaks will I be free or will I be breakfast?
Louise says I have not hope. Louise sees gold in every stream. Louise sees silver on every fish. I see the truth.
I track our spending at Mr. Bradfordās store and see our savings dry up. I watch our crops and know they will only feed the two of us through the winter.
She is wrong to think we will succeed, but she is also wrong to say I have no hope. If I had no hope would every minute of daylight find me in the fields? Would evenings find me beneath the kerosene lamp stitching my embroidery?
My hope isnāt for show like my white camisa. My hope is like my boots. It is not pretty, but necessary for the job. Louise sings without worry. Not me. I pray while I tend the sheep and while I sow the seeds. I do not know how we will succeed, but I hope and my hope is stronger when it is on its legs working.
Someday I will rest. My feet will stretch out before me. I will hold this book in idle hands and I will laugh at my past worries. I will remember my dark concerns and glory in the future that was finally revealed. I look ahead to that dayā¦but it is not today.
Today I go to shear sheep at the Garnersā house. The work will not wipe away my fears, but it might give us a few more coins for our collection. It might keep my hope alive, pushing against the darkness until I discover that long-sought for crack of light.
Rosa’s Prize Bundle
This prize package includes an autographed copy ofĀ Sixty Acres and a Bride,Ā aĀ Mexican Wedding Bowl hand painted by Jose Angel of Zihuatanejo, aĀ doily embroidered by the ladies of Primera Iglesia Bautista Petatlan (First Baptist Church, Petatlan, Guerrero), a stainless-steel mug (not shown) and a package ofĀ King Carlos Chocolates.
One lucky winner (from the U.S.) will be randomly chosen from the comments on this page. Entries will be closed on November 12, 2012, at 12:00 noon (Pacific time). To place extra entries please share links on Facebook and/or Tweet with the hashtag #hopechronicles…then comment again to tell us about it.
To enter to win the original journal comment here.
We invite you to join us each weekday this week as we hop through cyberspace and history, gleaning hope from each heroineās journey.
Monday, November 5th: Regina Jennings Ā (Heroine: Rosa Garner, Sixty Acres and a Bride)
Tuesday, November 6th: Joanne Bischof Ā (Heroine: Lonnie Sawyer, Be Still My Soul)
Wednesday, November 7th: Amanda Dykes (Heroine: Georgianna Wentworth, Upon the Waters)
Thursday, November 8th: Karen Barnett (Heroine: Abby Fischer, Shaken)
Friday, November 9th: Sarah Sundin (Heroine: Mellie Blake, With Every Letter)
Thank you for sharing this beautiful journey with us!
Wow, just reading Rosa’s letter makes me want to read 60 Acres and a Bride all over again. “My hope isnāt for show like my white camisa. My hope is like my boots. It is not pretty, but necessary for the job.” She is so practical and precious and I just want to hug her. Rosa has a good heart. I think this is one of her greatest qualities. It makes those around her just want to be her friend.
That is just wonderful, every word of it. Favorite line: “And so I thought her loco.” Love it! And I love the deep words of hope. (Please don’t enter me in the drawing. I just wanted to say hi!)
I’m with Sarah– don’t enter me in the drawing– journeying through the Hope Chronicles alongside you has been reward enough and I don’t want to snatch away anyone else’s chances. BUT I had to chime in and say thank you for sharing this; so beautifully written. I agree with Joanne: Rosa’s strength, pluck, courage, perseverance, and vulnerability make her a character so warm and easy to connect with.
I loved reading Rosa’s thoughts. I loves Sixty Acres when I read it. While I have the book on my Kindle, this is one that I want the paperback copy of as well. I”ll be sharing links on facebook and twitter and entering to win the original journal.
Can’t wait to read the entries!
Woo hoo! I’ve been looking forward to this blog hop since it was announced a couple months ago. I loved the journal entry by Rosa. I read Sixty Acres and a Bride a few months on my Kindle. Loved it!
I look forward to a fun week!
OOPS! I put in the email address. Try again! š
Woo hoo! Iāve been looking forward to this blog hop since it was announced a couple months ago. I loved the journal entry by Rosa. I read Sixty Acres and a Bride a few months on my Kindle. Loved it!
I look forward to a fun week!
I shared on Twitter.
I am so excited about this blog hop! I had the honor of reading Sixty Acres and a Bride. I can’t wait to read more!
I love her voice, and now I want to read her story.
I have not read Sixty Acres and a Bride but its at the top of my list. I love the entire idea behind the Hope Chronicles!
Oooh, I liked that! I can’t wait to read the book!
I want to read her story, I love Rosa’s entries
This is such an interesting blog hop! I hope to win a copy. Thank you!
I love 60 acres and a Bride! It is such a wonderful book! This is an interesting blog hop and I look forward to the rest! Thank you!
Thank you for introducing me to Rosa’s character. I came over from Ms. Sundin’s blog and I am loving the idea of a blog hop, getting to know all of you lovely ladies, and becoming acquainted with some new literature. Thanks so much!!
This sounds like such a wonderful story! I love Rosa’s voice and the way her character comes through so clearly in this letter…thank you for this treat, and please enter me in the drawing. š
I just read today’s entry and am glad I did now I want to read this book even more. Thank you for the chance to win this prize package. I look forward to tomorrow’s entry.
I forgot to say I tweeted and facebook’d as well.
Regina,
I loved reading Rosa’s thought just as I loved reading 60 acres and a Bride, a marvelous book. The journal idea is interesting and I look forward to reading all the entries. No need to enter me in the drawing since I have the book! Bless someone else.
I haven’t read 60 Acres and a Bride, but now I want to. Wonderful entry. I love that hope is like her boots. Necessary. Excellent. :0)
I posted this link on Facebook. I hope lots get to read and enjoy this week. Great idea, ladies!
I enjoy the way you write. We have your book in our church library in Bolivar where your sister goes. Many have enjoyed it. We are waiting for the next one!
I love Rosa’s voice–I can practically hear her speak as I read. “Will I be free or will I be breakfast?” Priceless. Thank you for sharing your words of hope. The Mexican wedding bowl is GORGEOUS! I wish I were eligible, but as one of the five participants, I will simply enjoy the journey. Whoever wins this package will be very blessed, indeed.
I so enjoyed this book, and love listening in on Rosa’s thoughts! Such a difficult circumstance but proof of God’s enduring love for us!
I shared on Twitter.
And I shared on Facebook! š
Thank y’all for visiting and thanks for sharing about the drawing. It’s open all week, too.
I love this idea! I would so love to read this story! I will share on Twitter and Facebook!
Regina, you peeked my interest! I will have to add this title to my list of ‘Must read’. I very much enjoyed this first letter and look forward to discovering others! Truly an interesting concept!
Thank you for the opportunity to enter the giveaway!
God Blessings to you and yours,
I would love to read this book! Have shared on my Facebook author page too!
This is my favorite line:
I remember Hebrews. I remember that hope in the dark is faith.
I’m loving the Hope Chronicles!
I love it!! O can you just hear Rosa’s voice!! Can’t wait to read the other”s entries!!! It would be such fun to win!! Thanks for the opportunity!! I loved 60 Acres and a Bride!!
Beautiful entry!! I can’t wait to read Sixty Acres and a Bride!
This sounds like a wonderful story! Im putting Sixty Acres and a Bride on my to be read list. Thanks for the chance to win!
This is so exciting. Sixty Acres and a Bride was such a cute story. I would loved to be entered to win Rosa’s goodies! š
Shared on twitter – @RecentBooks
https://twitter.com/RecentBooks/status/265601193290629120
This is such a wonderful opportunity. I am excited for the chance to win!
I would love to have this book! It sounds like a great read.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted:
https://twitter.com/WendyNewcomb/status/265619196023549954
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
I shared on FB:
http://www.facebook.com/wendy.newcomb.92
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Wow! What a cool idea. I love it and look forward to the other entries in the journal.
Great idea, Regina. Rosa is a most excellent character with a great voice!
I loved Sixty Acres and a Bride…the book of Ruth is one of my favorite books of the Bible! I even had Ruth’s pledge read at my wedding!
I haven’t read Sixty Acres and a Bride yet. I can’t wait to read it. The idea behind the Hope Chronicles is so neat. Thank you all!
Blessings!
Judy
Reading this letter definitely made me want to read the book.
Loved the story would love to win it and finish the story. Waiting to see what god has for us in His time is hard sometimes. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you for giving us a tease on the new book! I would love to finish reading what I have started.
I haven’t read Sixty Acres and a Bride yet. It looks like a great story.
I do not journal, yet it’s nice to read about someone who does. I understand that some people LOVE it. Would be nice to win.
Love this blog hop!
Shared on my FB Book page facebook.com/1bookme
Shared via twitter! @momta6
Wow! This sounds like it would be very interesting to read!! I would love to win this!!
Sixty Acres and a Bride is a great book and I loved every word!
Rosa’s letter is amazing! I’ve not read this book, but now I have to find out what’s going on. What a wonderful character — one I can’t wait to meet. Thanks for participating in this fun blog hop!
Wow….Now I really want to read Sixty Acres and a Bride! Loved it! (:
I tweeted this post! (:
Wow! Y’all are doing a great job getting the word out. Thank you so much! Authors really rely on word of mouth from their friends.
what a beautiful posting…looking forward to reading more from hope’s chronicles š
I love what Rosa says about hope. I recently got this book, hoping to start reading tomorrow.
Love blog hops…love meeting new authors.
I loved the sheep shearing chapter. Oh, to have been there. The first time I had to PULL a lamb, I put long vet gloves on, stuck my arm iN THERE but couldn’t get a grip. So…I took the gloves off and went back in and grabbed those legs! Loved this ebook but would love the real thing!
Despite the characters being in such a desperate situation, they still believe in God and trust Him. This is such a book of hope and I am really anxious to know what happens next!
I loved the journal entry by Rosa. I haven’t had the opportunity to read this book yet but look forward to it!! Thanks for all you time in writing these blog posts for us!!
Wow, I had forgotten how distinctive Rosa’s voice is! Love this peek into her heart.
Thank you for the chance to win the wonderful prize pack! I can’t wait to check out the other entries in The Hope Chronicles!
Beth
I shared on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/groups/200067670053172/
Beth
I haven’t read this book, but by the looks of it , I would enjoy it!
I look forward to reading the book, even if I don’t win!
That letter was amazing….now I need to read the book!
Shared on Facebook š
This sounds like an awesome book, putting it on my wish list of books to read. This is a fun way to find new authors, what a great idea of having a blog hop.
What a neat new way to share a good book. Thanks!
May be able to get into this very unique series soon.
I think I need to read this book. In fact, I KNOW I need to read this book!
Great Idea. A must read!
This looks like a great book, can’t wait to read it.
I love your book and you are now my new favorite author and would love to win Rosa’s prize pack!
I loved reading Rosa’s story, and this journal entry really fits with the book. I’m always blessed by the Christian fiction I read. The characters in the stories help me to keep hoping when things aren’t going the best in my own life. Now, if I read a book that doesn’t have characters with faith and hope, it just seems empty to me. I’m glad that although Rosa had her doubts, she didn’t give up and kept doing her best. I love the concept for the Hope Chronicles, I’m off to read the other journal entries!
I posted on my facebook about the blog hop!
I really would love to read the journal. The Letters are so moving.
Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to read this book yet. But, from what you have written above, it will be one that I put on my MUST READ list.
I’ve been looking forward to reading this one, heard great things!
I now really need to read this book. Wow! And I just can’t imagine living in 1878.
Rosa’s letters are very full of deep thought. Her journal must be great.
Hope is all most of us have to live for in this life – hope for a better life ahead; hope for peace, love and unity.; Hope for a life with perfect Father in Heaven; Hope for a life with our Savior: Jesus Christ.
I love reading histories of life in earlier times. They had their injustices and problems but a greater number of people held each other in greater respect if you tried to live higher values and principles.
I feel we would all do well in keeping journals for posterity’s sake.
We need to look beyond ourselves to how we can serve others and what legacy we leave.
I truly want to thank all you great writers who write with cleanliness and integrity.
Loved reading this book. Donated it to my small rural library where lots more have loved reading it.
Been busy all week and just now getting a chance to read and comment….
Loved Rosa’s character in the book, and Rosa’s entry in the journal is beautiful!
Thanks for putting all this together, ladies!!!
Regina, this has been such a pleasure, floating from one journal entry to another. You ladies came up with a wonderful way of introducing your books. Each entry has blessed me and I hope to attain each book one day soon…and that wonderful journal that was passed from each author! God bless.
I loved 60 Acres and a Bride and enjoyed reading this journal entry. Thanks for this blog hop.
This package looks awesome! Can’t wait to read the book!
I also tweeted and shared on facebook!
I fell in love with Rosa … such a beautiful story of redemptive love!