A Hope Divided

By: Alyssa Cole

Narrated by: Karen Chilton

The Civil War has turned neighbor against neighbor - but for one scientist spy and her philosopher soldier, war could bind them together.

For three years of the War Between the States, Marlie Lynch has helped the cause in peace: with coded letters about anti-Rebel uprisings in her Carolina woods, tisanes and poultices for Union prisoners, and silent aid to fleeing slave and Freeman alike. Her formerly enslaved mother's traditions and the name of a white father she never knew have protected her - until the vicious Confederate Home Guard claims Marlie's home for their new base of operations in the guerilla war against Southern resistors of the Rebel cause.

Unbeknowst to those under her roof, escaped prisoner Ewan McCall is sheltering in her laboratory. Seemingly a quiet philosopher, Ewan has his own history with the cruel captain of the Home Guard and a thoughtful but unbending strength Marlie finds irresistible. When the revelation of a stunning family secret places Marlie's freedom on the line, she and Ewan have to run for their lives into the hostile Carolina night. Following the path of the Underground Railroad, they find themselves caught up in a vicious battle that could dash their hopes of love - and freedom - before they ever cross state lines.

Author bio: Alyssa Cole is a science editor, pop culture nerd, and romance junkie who recently moved to the Caribbean and occasionally returns to her fast-paced NYC life. Her writing has been featured in publications including Vulture (New York magazine's entertainment blog), Heroes and Heartbreakers, and The Toast. When she's not busy writing, traveling, and learning French, she can be found watching anime with her real-life romance hero or tending to her herd of pets.

©2017 Alyssa Cole (P)2017 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Karen Chilton's performance in this audiobook is a smooth and thrilling listen for romance and historical fiction fanatics.... Listeners will find Chilton's narration evenly paced and authentic for the characters of this time period. Those seeking adventure and historical romance need look no farther than this pleasing story and performance." (AudioFile)

Loved This

I am ready for a sequel! This kept me up late on a school night😊

Love how history and hope met.

I throughly enjoyed this book. Many times when slavery is discussed the complicity of the southern white female is left out, or she is painted to be as much of a victim as the enslaved African American woman. I greatly appreciate how cole brought to the forefront the passive and active ways the whites in the south interact with the establishment and institution of slavery. The dynamic of each relationship carefully laid out, and the multifaceted characters shown through. Even the hero and heroine where left to explore the fears, and darkness within. Cole is a fantastic writer, and look forward to the way she will continue to unfold, as well as shine a light on society during this era of American history. I do have the same questions as other reviewers though:

Would have love more relationship and character development between Marlie and Steven. Wanted to understand what happened to Sarah and how her and Marlie's relationship changed. Now that Marlie knows she is her aunt and not her sister.
Update on Malcolm and his wife!!!

Engaging

What a beautiful story and excellent narration. What I enjoyed the most was the history and the analogies. This is excellent prose that puts you in the right there with the characters.

Another Great One

As a new fan of Ms. Cole this was another great read which leaves me wanting more from her. This book keeps you engaged from beginning to end. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone.

Really great actor

The book is exciting, and has natural conflicts as well as chemistry between the heroes. The narrator is really top notch great. I'd listen to anything she narrated.