I really enjoyed this story for what it was, a Christian novel that spans three generations, weaving issues of race, family drama, life decisions and matricide (?) what? No, really. I won a copy of this book through BookishFirst and I almost didn't enter the drawing because of the genre, but I was so intrigued by the synopsis I decided to give it a go anyway. I'm really glad I did. The religious elements of the novel were pretty deftly interwoven into the story, much like the beautiful way the stories about the quilts featured in the novel, and I didn't feel as though I was being beaten about the head with god talk, which is a nice feature in a Christian novel. The chapters move back and forth between the 1870s, the 1960s and modern day among the same family, regarding how the family first sheltered runaway slaves, then blamed the families downfall on said slaves, and now in modern, day how that past has affected where the members of the family have ended up. I didn't completely fall in love with the characters, because this was more of a plot novel than it was a character study, but it was such an amazing plot that I wasn't left feeling like I'd missed anything. Really great read.

I had never heard of this author before, and that I'm always a little nervous to review a book by an author I'm not familiar with. The premise of this novel sounded fascinating, though. I'm really glad I gave it a try. The story is told through three points of view by three different generations of women. This book gave me a lot to think about regarding race relations and interracial marriage. I thought it was really well done. Each of the story lines is distinct and easy to follow. They each tackle tough topics. I would recommend this book to readers who prefer edgy fiction. There are some hard themes, and the characters don't always make the right decisions. If you prefer very clean fiction, you might want to read this one with caution.

I received a copy from the publisher and Netgalley for review.

1 star
I was so excited to read this book and had very high expectations for it. Sadly, the book was a disappointment. I just could not get into the book and I did not enjoy it all. Some things were just bizarre. For example, a white woman was told she looked like every other white person. The implication was the white woman could understand racism because of her being told she looked like all other white people! Ugh, Just, no. I'm a white woman and I would never think I could understand the horrific racism that so many people of other ethnicities deal with by someone saying a stupid little statement like that. Just gross. I put the book down and will not finish it.
I cannot recommend this book,

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #WeHopeForBetterThings #NetGalley #Revell

I read and review We Hope for Better things at my request. I received this book from Baker Publishing. This is review is my own thoughts and opinions. This book is a very good one about racism. And it tells the point of view and thoughts from a couple different angles and different time area. I love reading about Elizabeth, James and Linden about what they have and the journey to discover how a box of photos could produce quite a story. And how the story took place a lot further back then anyone could imagine. Elizabeth doesn't let anything stand in her way to the truth. I loved Nora strength and character. And William and the since of doing right and helping out family no matter what. And Mary she had a determination to make sure to do what she thought was best even if it wasn't the popular choice. And George strong a man who didn't say much but saw a lot. This book is very realistic it doesn't sugar coat over things. I think this book can be for any kind of reader. I wouldn't go to young. It's historical, has romance and mystery.

Ms. Bartels debut novel, We Hope for Better Things, is a thought-provoking must-read! This book is not necessarily an easy read due to the turbulent times it is written, but the three stories are intertwined beautifully. This is a split time book in which you actually have three main characters that the book is centered on from three different generations- the Civil War times, the 1960’s, and present day. The book examines family issues, relationships, and forgiveness. The historical accounts in this book were interesting to read about our history as a nation. The three main characters are Elizabeth, Nora, and Mary. Each one has a unique story. As you read, you will want to learn more about each one and how their story continues. This is not necessarily an easy read, but I highly recommend you read this book! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

I have met Erin a few times at writer events around Lansing. She is a friendly, genuine seeming person. I have no problem with her personally and was very excited to read her book. I love to cheer on writers in my community and see them succeed.

Unfortunately, the opening of the book made me feel extremely uncomfortable. It starts out with a white journalist meeting with a black man at a Coney Island to discuss a camera.

<b> <i>“I’ll admit you do look like her,” Linden said. “But —no offense and all —you do kind of all look the same.”
I laughed. As a white person in a city that is over eighty percent black, I was used to occasional reminders of what minority races had to contend with in most parts of the country. </b> </I>

There are implications that she understands racism because of experience with so called “reverse racism.” I, personally, see that way of thinking as very problematic to society.

Since I’m reading a galley copy, this quote may change before publishing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an unbiased review.

The title, We Hope for Better Things, says so much about this story. Elizabeth Balsam, the main character, takes readers on a journey through struggles, love, hate, and loss. I admit there were parts of this book I found difficult to read because the depravity of mankind is exposed, yet I wanted to keep reading as Elizabeth dug through her family's history with hope and determination to find truth. This is an important book and should be read for a better understanding of our history; in hopes that we'll be a better people. I remember my brother, in National Guards, had to go to Cincinnati for riots in the sixties. It was a scary time. Erin Bartels remarkable writing brings to light times of trouble with a degree of hope. This would be a great winter read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels was a pleasant surprise for me. The novel is about three generations of women who live in Detroit and rural Lapeer, Michigan, spanning from the Civil War to the 1960s to today.

I found the novel to be engaging, with interesting storylines and settings, nicely paced, and with well-drawn and sympathetic characters. As a Christian novel, Bartels message is, "God has a plan."

Elizabeth has lost her job at the Detroit Free Press. She is asked to visit her great-aunt Nora to determine if she is the rightful owner of a camera and photographs in the possession of an African American family. With nothing holding her back, Elizabeth agrees and leaves Detroit for Lapeer.

Nora is confused and reclusive. Over time, Elizabeth pieces together a family history that involves the Underground Railroad, forbidden love, and the Detroit riot.

I was interested in reading the book because of its setting. I grew up and now live in Metro Detroit and remember vividly the 1967 riot. Other connections include my husband's family roots in Lapeer and adjoining villages including a great-grandfather who married a Farnsworth, a name which appears in the novel.

A bonus for me was the quiltmaking that takes place! A 19th c. Crazy Quilt, a yellow hexagon quilt, and a contemporary crazy quilt are central to the story. I love that Nora is a fabric hoarder, her stash spilling out of the closet and filling dresser drawers!

Piecing a life, piecing the mystery of the past, piecing things whole--the book's theme could be said to be the work of taking the worn scraps life hands you and creating something of beauty out of it.

A kaleidoscope of color, it was formed from varied patches of jewel-toned velvet and silk, each piece edged with multicolored embroidery thread in a hundred different patterns. from We Hope For Better Things by Erin Bartels

Historical fiction fans will enjoy the book. Women's fiction readers will respond to the challenges the women face. Plus, there is romance and heartbreak and hope. The story addresses racism throughout American history.

I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

This book really spoke to my heart, exploring issues that are relevant in our world today. Eric Bartels takes a delicate subject, such as race, and beautifully explores our past and how that can affect our future. Get ready for all the feels with the magnificently written piece of work.

This is not an easy read as it's full of food for thought and complex situations.
It's interesting and engaging, well written and not boring at all.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC

This is a really heavy book, full of social issues, that needs your complete attention to really fully tackle. It spans three generations of women, each with her own set of racially-based issues. The book has some really interesting historical aspects, but I had a hard time sticking with it and plowing through it....though I'm glad I did, because there is some resolution at the end.

I had high hopes for this book, it looked utterly fascinating and yet in my opinion it didn't quite live up to expectations. I wouldn't say it was a bad book, the writing was good enough but the characters failed to pull me in and I really didn't connect with any of them. Overall was just a bit too depressing for my taste.