5 stars, Heartbreaking Sinking

WHEN HOPE SANK (A Day to Remember Book 3)
by Denise Weimer

This is the dramatic story of a traumatic event at the end of the Civil War. Steamship Sultana was carrying two thousand men who had been released from prisons and were trying to make their way home at the end of the war, the Sultana exploded and the men's hope sank.

Lily Livingston works at her uncle's boarding house, a victim of the Civil War, it has taken everything she's ever loved, except for her younger brother. They are at the mercy of their uncle and desperate to have something better.

Lieutenant Cade Palmer was onboard the Sultana when everything exploded. He doesn't know how he'll survive, nor does he know how he'll be able to return home.

I was at first drawn to this book, because of visiting the #SteamboatArabia, another Steamer that floundered in the mighty Mississippi River. The sinking of the Sultana pulled more at the heartstrings because of the poor veterans of the Civil War who were trying to make their way home.

Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of #WhenHopeSank from #BarbourFiction #BarbourBooks I was not obligated to post a review.

#SultanaSteamship #ADayToRememberSeries #ChristianFiction #historicalfiction #womensfiction #mississippiriver #civilwar #americanhistory #InspyFic #Inspirational #AndersonvillePrison #1886

I have really enjoyed Barbour Publishing’s A Day to Remember series. The newest addition, When Hope Sank by Denise Weimer, was another account of a day in our history that was tragic and yet inspiring as it shows how with God some could overcome the tragedy of war and disaster.

I enjoyed this post-Civil War story. While it has fictional characters, the real events that take place offer a great glimpse at what actually occurred. I knew nothing about the sinking of the Sultana, and the book sparked my interest in learning more. The characters add life to the story and help to show how forgiveness and hope can help you get through the darkest of times. Lily and Cade were brought together through something horrible, and I loved seeing them come through on their own and together with God.

This was my first book by Denise Weimer. She did a wonderful job at writing this time period and sharing her faith throughout the book. When Hope Sank is a great read for anyone who loves history and Christian fiction.

When Hope Sank is one of the best inspirational fiction novels that I have read. This post civil war story of Cade and Lily has it all. They are very real characters walking thru various crises of faith. Both repeatedly find guidance and encouragement through both scripture and prayer.
We are shown how hearts on both sides needed mending is this time following the war. I am touched to have the Lord as Healer revealed here.

As a new resident of Arkansas this book caught my attention because the Sultana was a part of history I did not know about. I found the information about the riverboats and marine warfare of the time interesting. I especially found the medical traditions of the day fascinating as well.

Those who enjoy a mix of Christian faith with their history lesson are sure to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.

I decided to read When Hope Sank because I love historical fiction—I love reading about little-known events in the past and watch them come to life on the pages. Although I knew there would likely be more romance in this book than I like, I read an earlier book in this series (When the Waters Came) and really enjoyed it.
I was right. There was a strong romantic thread throughout When Hope Sank. I was also right that I would enjoy this book. I’m not sure I ever remember hearing of the disaster of the Sultana before. I’ll never forget it now! I also didn’t realize how the Confederate sympathizers continued to try to sabotage the Union after the Civil War was over. I was frustrated with Lily and how she beat herself up for not preventing the tragedy, and a bit upset with Cade for being so angry with her about that, but I could understand his anger.
I really liked Cade’s thought processes as he worked through his anger from past unwise decisions and came to the conclusions he did by the end of the book. The scene which talked about good and evil is especially thought-provoking, as is the scene where a close friend died thinking that “his optimism and good works would get him into heaven.” There is a lot more Christian content in this book than in many I have read. On the other hand, there are too many passionate kisses for my liking. So, I enjoyed the book, but it won’t make it to my top ten for the year.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Chapter 1: Man threatens another with his knife, gropes a girl. Chapter 20: Kissing. Chapter 22: Attempted rape, kidnapping, man injured badly, “dang.” Chapter 23: Man killed. Chapter 24: Men killed, kissing. Epilogue: kissing.

I am truly enjoying Barbour Publishing's A Day to Remember series, and hope that it will include many titles. When Hope Sank is the third book in the series and is built around the true historical event of the sinking of the steamboat Sultana in 1865. The steamboat was carrying 2,130 souls of which 1,169 did not survive, many Union prisoners of war just paroled from Andersonville and Cahaba, heading home to relish their freedom. Weimer writes an intriguing tale of saboteurs, spies, and betrayal along with stories of hope, love, and restoration. As was the case with many families during the Civil War, Lily's family is one of divided allegiances, forcing her to make compromises in order to keep a roof over her and her younger brother's heads. Cade Palmer, one of the Sultana's survivors, is a conflicted man, made more so because his injuries make it impossible for him to provide the medical care so needed by his fellow survivors recuperating at Lily's uncle's inn. Forced together by circumstances far beyond their control, the two discover a growing bond in their collective efforts to discover the truth behind the sinking of the Sultana. Readers will enjoy collecting clues and making inferences along with Lily and Cade.

I enjoyed this book very much and am grateful to have received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The true story part - the sinking of a ship transporting Union POWs home after the Civil War - was really interesting. The mystery was fairly predictable and the romance was a little cheesy, but overall it was a nice read. It was like a cozy mystery with a touch of real history thrown in.

The war is over but not everyone is happy with the results. When disaster strikes which side are you on or is it possible to stay neutral?
Entertaining story with interesting characters. It’s a little too religious for me but I enjoyed the storyline.

1865 The war is over - but is it really? Just because the powers that be decided the North won, did not mean those in the South were ready to give up. Prisoners were returning home - most of them very different from when they left. The scars were not all visible, and hopefully the tragedy of war would slowly fade.

For some, their faith had suffered a great blow - would it ever be the same again? When tragedy struck the Sultana with so many POW’s on board, those involved began to wonder if good would ever have victory over evil. Was it an accident or sabotage? There certainly were plenty of folk that weren’t sad about the carnage left behind. Was it possible for those who had lost much to show love instead of hate?

A copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

** “He’d always been taught that only in God’s perfect will lay the fullness of peace and joy.” **

Denise Weimer brings us the story of the 1865 sinking of the steamship Sultana in “When Hope Sank,” the third installment in the A Day to Remember series.

The overfilled Sultana is on its way to deliver released Union prisoners of war when an explosion occurs, killing about a thousand on board. Fortunately, Dr. Cade Palmer is able to escape, but badly injured.

After overhearing a secret meeting discussing an impending deadly situation, Lily Livingston quickly responds to the accident, saving Cade and bringing him to her uncle’s inn on the Mississippi River. While recuperating, the two grow closer, and also work together to figure out what might have caused the explosion and if further deadly deeds might occur.

“When Hope Sank” is a fictionalized telling of an actual event, filled with drama, intrigue, secrets and romance. Weimer does a great job of creating characters that are inspiring and brave, yet flawed and relatable. She fills the story with some great themes, too, like sharing pain makes it more bearable (“Pain is pain. It just hurts. … But it hurts a little less if you share it”); God can bring good from evil; God’s perfect will; truth and justice; and God can bring healing and redemption out of horrible circumstances.

Fans of historical fiction and Civil War era stories will love “When Hope Sank."

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Pub Inc. provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

Readers who love Civil War fiction will not want to miss this story of the sinking of the Sultana. Based on true events, the author makes history become alive as many Union soldiers lost their lives as the ship blew up and sank. Readers will follow in the steps of Lily as she rescues Cade, an Union soldier and strives to help survivors in her uncle's guest house. Recommended!

Wonderfully written historical story of the sinking of the steamboat Sultana. The historical aspects of the story made it come alive and I was engaged from the beginning. The main characters are well-developed and lead interesting lives filled with hardships. Their struggles tugged at my heart.

The storyline takes place just after the Civil War with countless injured soldiers. There are accounts of espionage, deception, and betrayal, but the story also shows hope and faith in God. It's a good over evil, and sacrifice over selfishness story. You will be thinking about the story long after the last page is turned. An excellent and exciting story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Another great read from A Day to Remember series. I'd recommend, especially historical fiction fans.

Cade Palmer has been released from Andersonville at the close of the Civil War and has joined over 2000 passengers on the Sultana, bound for the North in order to muster out of the Army. A sudden disaster has all scrambling for their lives into the Mighty Mississippi. Helping with rescue efforts, Lily and her brother Jacob come upon Cade and his friend James and bravely bring them to safety.
The catastrophic explosion was dramatically portrayed. The realism was relatable. The subsequent story of Caleb’s recovery and the interesting facts woven in about spies, ciphers and machinations of the Confederacy even after the South surrendered, made for an enjoyable, thought provoking read.
Lily and Cade grow closer as she nurses him. “Pain is pain. It just hurts. But it hurts a little less if you share it.” And through it all they cling to God and His promises: “There is a perfect God waiting at the end of this. He will see justice done.”
I enjoyed this imagining of the real event of the Sultana disaster at the end of the Civil War.
*I read a copy of this book provided by Barbour via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

This book is part of a series of 6 novels about American disasters that have occurred and changed history due to the way it transformed landscapes and the lives of people who were there when it happened,

This book takes place in Arkansas during the Civil War – Confederate versus Union soldiers. A fiery explosion on April 27, 1865 of steamship Sultana, rendered over 2000 men either dead or flailing in frigid Mississippi River waters.

Lily Livingston, who works at her uncle’s inn, helps rescue some of the soldiers and take them to the inn to be taken care of. One soldier, Cade Palmer, has many injuries and she helps care for him. Together they try to figure out what caused the explosion.

This is an action-packed book that centers on faith, redemption, friendship, romance and so many other emotions. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it to those who enjoy historical books.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was a well written historical fiction book.
It has a nice blend of mystery and some romance.
It’s a fast paced book that I read in one day.
Thanks to the publisher for the early copy

This is a great historical fiction taking place at the end of the Civil War. The steamship Sultana was carrying hundreds of POWs on their way north when it sank. Hundreds of men drowned in the Mississippi River. Luci Livingston and her brother Jacob rescued Lieutenant Cade Palmer and Cade was brought to their family inn where he and others who were rescued were nursed from their injuries. The book has mystery, deception, betrayal, romance and faith. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to give it a positive review.

Even though the Civil War is over, emotions on both sides are running high. Lt. Cade is badly injured from an explosion on the Sultana. The Union soldiers were on their way home when it sank. Lily, a southerner, risks her life to save him from drowning and her uncle opens his tavern to the wounded. Cade struggles with regret over the loss of his friend James. He felt responsible for him & to give him protection, even though he is badly injured himself. Things get even more dangerous when Lily and Cade discover a secret coded message that will change everything. But when Lily is kidnapped, an injured Cade makes rescuing her his top priority. "When Hope Sank" by Denise Weimer is a well written, action packed novel that is full of plot twists. It was very enjoyable to read & full of suspense. I received a complimentary copy of this book by Barbour Publishing & was under no obligation to post a review.

Days after being released from the horrific confines of Andersonville prison members of the U.S. Union military were loaded on to the steamship Sultana. The most disastrous of maritime tragedies took place April 27, 1865, when the vessel exploded on the Mississippi River. When Hope Sank, by Denise Weimer is a fiction story based on the disaster.
This is the story of Lieutenant Cade Palmer of the Union army who is rescued by Lily, the niece of local inn owners, Southerners. He is in fear of losing his ability to practice medicine due to injuries sustained. She is questioning her place and commitments made before the war. Danger surrounds them both.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book through NetGalley and this is my own unsolicited opinion about it. The author has done well in interspersing factual information from the time period when the country was still reeling from war, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the unrest between citizens in this work. The book is full of intrigue, talk of sabotage, questions about the tragedy and investigation. I enjoyed reading about the time period, way of life in the region and the medical practices of the time when dealing with wounded people.
I think it is a story that shows the testing of faith, family dynamics and what God may will for His people. I found this to be an excellent addition to the "A Day to Remember" series.
I give it a 4.8

When Hope Sank is the third addition from the exciting mutli author series, A Day to Remember. Denise Weimer's contribution is based on the Civil War era steamboat explosion, Sultana. I thought the author did a great job writing about this disaster from the past. Lily and Cade's story is intriguing. I found it to be full of faith, trust, and hope. It was a book that could not be easily put down.

When Hope Sank is definitely a five star read. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean historical fiction based on real events in American history. I look forward to the next installment from A Day to Remember series to see what other disaster will be covered next.

I received a copy of Denise Weimer's When Hope Sank from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

WHEN HOPE SANK by DENISE WEIMER is one of the novels that feature American disasters that have affected the country and human life. It is a beautifully and sensitvely written account of the explosion and sinking of the river boat Sultana that was carrying freed prisoners from the Andersonville P.O.W. camp on April 27th 1825, shortly after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Feelings are high in Arkansaw after the Confederate defeat and the arrival of Union soldiers at River Rest, the establishment belonging to Lily Livingston’s uncle Thad, brings out hatred amongst the Southern sympathiers.
Uncle Thad, Lily and Lily’s young brother Jacob save the badly burned Lieutenant Cade Palmer, who is a qualified surgeon, and his friend James. Lily takes it upon herself to nurse Cade and to start with he is worried that Lily is his enemy….
I like to see how Cade and Lily, whose walk with God is sadly lacking due to the horrors they have each been through, grows as they pray for one another and for others……
It is a story about courage, unselfishness, understanding, compassion, forgivenes, hope and renewed trust in God, against a backdrop of evil, jealousy, hatred and fear.
I cannot recommend When Hope Sank highly enough. I found the book exciting and inspirational, giving one a great deal of food for thought.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGally from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.