Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A Hadley Hope Story

By 1852, Eleanor Foogleman’s family had lived in Indiana for months. Because her mother is bedridden while waiting for her baby’s birth, Eleanor has helped her father build the cabin as well as the household chores. There have been several miscarriages, making Pa angrier by the year. Only Eleanor and her five-year-old sister have survived. When Pa takes Eleanor to town for the first time, he warns her not to catch any man’s eye. Of course not. Pa’s not giving up her free labor for nothing.

The shy girl captures the attention of James Hadley, the town’s blacksmith, but it’s clear that her pa doesn’t approve.

Unbelievable tragedy awaits Eleanor.

The main character has difficulty trusting men because of her father. That is demonstrated very well in this novella. Tragedy, unexpected events, and sympathy for the main character kept me turning pages. Understandable themes are mentioned, yet are not fully developed, themes that would have deepened the story.  

The book can be read in about two hours.

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