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We Hope for Better Things
We Hope for Better Things | Erin Bartels
"We Hope for Better Things has it all: fabulous storytelling, an emotional impact that lingers long after you turn the last page, and a setting that immerses you. I haven't read such a powerful, moving story since I read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school. This book will change how you look at the world we live in. Highly recommended!"--Colleen Coble, USAToday bestselling author of the Rock Harbor series and The View From Rainshadow Bay "A timely exploration of race in America, We Hope for Better Things is an exercise of empathy that will shape many a soul. Erin Bartels navigates this sensitive topic with compassion as she shifts her readers back and forth between past and present, nudging us to examine the secrets we keep, the grudges we hold, and the prejudices we may help create even without intention."--Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Perennials ***** When Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich, his strange request--that she look up a relative she didn't know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos--seems like it isn't worth her time. But when she loses her job after a botched investigation, she suddenly finds herself with nothing but time. At her great-aunt's 150-year-old farmhouse, Elizabeth uncovers a series of mysterious items, locked doors, and hidden graves. As she searches for answers to the riddles around her, the remarkable stories of two women who lived in this very house emerge as testaments to love, resilience, and courage in the face of war, racism, and misunderstanding. And as Elizabeth soon discovers, the past is never as past as we might like to think. Debut novelist Erin Bartels takes readers on an emotional journey through time--from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to the Underground Railroad during the Civil War--to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.
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Hannah_11
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Pickpick

Thought provoking. I loved the story telling and seeing how the lives of the three protagonists intertwined despite being set decades apart. Definite pick

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SilversReviews
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@Eggs
@AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks
@LitsyEvents

TODAY‘S PROMPT: UNCLE/AUNT

A box of photos, an elderly AUNT the main character didn‘t know about, and an old house.

Historical fiction, secrets, surprises, and an unraveling of the past.

tinyurl.com/3rdvs59h

Eggs Nailed it again👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 1y
SilversReviews @Eggs 😊 Thanks. 1y
24 likes2 comments
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Octoberwoman
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I‘m posting one book a day from my massive collection. No description, no reason for why I want to read it (some I‘ve had so long I don‘t even remember why!) Feel free to join in!

#ABookADay2023

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EadieB
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Pickpick

#WeHopeForBetterThings #ErinBartels #BookSpinBingo #JoyousJanuary

Detroit Free Press reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets James Rich. He requests that she look up a relative she didn't know she had in order to deliver an old camera and a box of photos. She learns the remarkable stories of two women who lived in a 150 year old farmhouse and their courage in the face of war and racism.

EadieB This is Erin Bartels debut novel and it takes readers on a journey through the streets of 1960s Detroit to the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. I have read and enjoyed all of Bartels' novels and found this to be a very emotional read with excellent research of our American history and interesting characters. If you enjoy American history, then you will enjoy this book. 3y
EadieB This is my #DoubleSpin book. 3y
SilversReviews LOVED. This book. 3y
See All 19 Comments
EadieB @SilversReviews Yes me too! It is a good one! 3y
Librarybelle I just watched a webinar with the author, and she was very articulate and has a tragic personal story. 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
EadieB @Librarybelle Her last book which I recently read is a direct result of her sexual abuse issue: 3y
Librarybelle Yes! That‘s the one she discussed! 3y
EadieB @Andrew65 No but I have in on my TBR. I've read 3y
EadieB @Andrew65 This is an excellent Civil War and Underground Railroad book too: 3y
Andrew65 @EadieB Thanks, just stacked it. Love Colson Whitehead. The Nickel Boys is great. 3y
EadieB @Andrew65 Yes! I've read The Nickel Boys too and did enjoy it! 3y
Andrew65 @EadieB I had a feeling you‘d read that one. 3y
EadieB @Andrew65 I'm putting Underground Railroad on my list for February. Meant to read it but it slipped through the cracks. (edited) 3y
Andrew65 @EadieB So easily done with so many books and series to get to! 3y
EadieB @Andrew65 One book at a time because I know I will never catch up! You just have to take it one book at a time! 3y
Andrew65 @EadieB All you can do. 3y
54 likes5 stack adds19 comments
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Kleblanc
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Unexpected gallbladder removal surgery = more time for reading

Sparklemn Feel better soon! 3y
7 likes1 comment
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Kleblanc
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DNF‘d my last 2 reads, because life‘s too short to not enjoy what you‘re reading 😃 Starting this one instead!

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wlpark7856
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Pickpick

“We Hope for Better Things” is a poignant novel across three time periods with three different women: a small town in Michigan during the Civil War, the 1967 Detroit riots, and present day. Each time period deals like biracial relationships and the struggles against prejudice. The consequences of choices made because of prejudice are far reaching. It‘s a story you don‘t want to end.

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revellbooks
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Revell had the pleasure of debuting four novelists this year! These are some fantastic reads from brand new authors, and we can't wait to continue working with them.

#2019reads #2019releases #yearinreview

Princess-Kingofkings Erin Bartels is a fascinating writer. Thank you for your work with her. 5y
17 likes1 comment
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Sheryl63
Pickpick

What a lovely novel! This is my first book by this author and it won‘t be my last!!!

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Priya2
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I absolutely loved this book. Using three parallel timelines to provide social commentary through the eyes of three strong and independent women during pivotal times in the American social fabric is ingenious and so effective. Loved it and am thinking about it even after finishing the book over 24 hours ago. Highly recommend it

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Aswenson
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Totally forgot to mark my September progress. Still slow and steady at the end of the year. Fall is always so busy... so less reading. #swensonreads #swensonreads19

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GypsyKat
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Today‘s #AudibleDailyDeal looked too good to pass up. 👍

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Princess-Kingofkings
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Sale ~ https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Better-Things-Erin-Bartels-ebook/dp/B07F3D88S1/ref=s...

This is me with author, Erin Bartels, at Baker Book House.

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SilversReviews
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#AMonthOfSongs
@OriginalCyn620
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

This debut was marvelous.

A box of photos, an elderly aunt the main character didn‘t know about, and an old house.

WE HOPE FOR BETTER THINGS has a warmth that will linger with you and a wonderful history lesson.

OriginalCyn620 👌🏻📚🎶 6y
43 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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ReadingisMyPassion
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Pickpick



A beautiful story of three generations of remarkable women and the men they love. Using the settings of the Michigan Underground Railroad during the Civil War and the violent Detroit riots of the 1960s, two interracial couples embrace love in spite of society‘s racism.

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Bookdiva618
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Bookdiva618 Loved this book. Took me awhile to read it. 6y
4 likes1 stack add1 comment
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KimM
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Pickpick

My vacation read 🏝 The story takes place in 3 different time periods: Civil war era, 60s Detroit race riots era and present day with its racial tensions. It follows interracial relationships in 3 generations of one family living through these eras. It left me hoping the female protagonist can overcome her family‘s past and break through any remaining barriers society has set. 4⭐️s Excellent.

#BookishFirst
#Revell
#wehopeforbetterthings

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Michellekidwell
Pickpick

We Hope for Better Things
by Erin Bartels

This book takes us on an emotional journey from the 1960‘s Civil Right movement, to the Underground Railroad of the Civil war era.

I give The Hope For Better Things five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Laura317 Welcome to Litsy!! 6y
Michellekidwell Thank you 6y
3 likes2 comments
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Princess-Kingofkings
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Just read my first update from Erin Bartels ~ she shares life and goals stuff. It is good for me to be exposed to an author who is a Christian but recommends a variety of other authors who all have wisdom within. Sign up for her newsletter at https://erinbartels.com/

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CindyRene
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Pickpick

Loved this book!!! Three separate time periods, one family's story. I couldn't wait for the blending of their past into the present. Looking forward to reading more from this author!

Kaye Sounds good ! 6y
Princess-Kingofkings I absolutely agree ~ I'm looking forward to Erin's next book. 6y
79 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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MMFinck
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Pickpick

I‘ve been reading We Hope For Better Things by Erin Bartels in a sunny corner of my living room while supervising my children do their homework. But this novel is so evocative and thought-broking that I don‘t think I‘d‘ve noticed if they‘d gotten up and walked away. They didn‘t, but they could have. Shhh. Don‘t tell. ;)
https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Better-Things-Erin-Bartels/dp/0800734912/ref=nodl_

theladygreer Ooh, I've got this one but haven't started reading yet. Looking forward. 6y
MMFinck @theladygreer if you‘re like me, there are lines that will choke you up. :) 6y
13 likes1 stack add2 comments
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SilversReviews
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Pickpick

A box of photos, an elderly aunt the main character didn‘t know about, and an old house.

When Elizabeth finds locked rooms, gravestone markers, and many beds lined up in the attic my interest peaked.

The characters were simply wonderful.

WE HOPE FOR BETTER THINGS has a warmth that will linger with you and a wonderful history lesson.

Ms Bartels' debut novel has flawless writing and a marvelous story line. 5/5

https://bit.ly/2FLB8Zf


Crazeedi Well done! Thanks for the recommendation , look forward to this one! 6y
SilversReviews @Crazeedi ENJOY!! I loved it. Thanks for commenting. 6y
78 likes5 stack adds2 comments
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SilversReviews
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I am reading Erin Bartels‘ debut, and enjoying it.

A box of photos, an elderly aunt the character didn‘t know about, and an old house with stories of its own.

Let me know what you are reading.

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Princess-Kingofkings
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I'm more impressed with my adaptive skills for using my book light so I can read in the truck than I am embarrassed at my photography skills,
I don't want to finish this book but I can't stop reading it at every opportunity.

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Princess-Kingofkings
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Having to work at midnight tonight means now is the time to read and then take my nap but I may read longer than I nap today.

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Princess-Kingofkings
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This statement has me pondering change in my own life.

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Princess-Kingofkings
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This book deals with racial issues from the Civil War, the Detroit Riots of the 1960s and now. I just had to share how the author throws in humor just as gracefully as she reveals the tough stuff.

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oddandbookish
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Pickpick

Wonderful debut novel. Loved how the stories were woven together and how the secrets unraveled. Full review on my blog: oddandbookish.wordpress.com

Princess-Kingofkings I attended her book signing tonight and have read the first 5 chapters. I'm loving it! 6y
oddandbookish @Princess-Kingofkings That‘s great to hear! 6y
41 likes2 comments
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Princess-Kingofkings
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"When you are writing fiction, you are working thru your own issues." Erin Bartels response to a question about which one of her characters she was most like.

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Princess-Kingofkings
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Bought my book ~ I had a punch card for free coffee or tea that I earned from the summer reading program here at Baker Book House. I chose Hot Cinnamon Spice tea (in the mug I earned from the same program) while my husband choose a dark roast with raspberry syrup and a bit of cream. That beautiful book cozy was made by my daughter last year.

3 likes1 stack add
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Princess-Kingofkings
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I'm here @ Baker Book House. Check out this cake!

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Princess-Kingofkings
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It's today... I'm getting ready... I'm excited to meet a new author. It is such a blessing to live close to Baker Book House.

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Princess-Kingofkings
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My goal is to finish my current read (A Name of her Own) before this book launch on Thursday.

3 likes1 stack add
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kstadt929
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Pickpick

I just realized when I finished this one I didn‘t review it 🤦🏻‍♀️ So just dropping a second recommendation for it!! I received this as an ARC and cannot say enough good things about it! It was different than many books I read because there were so many topics relating to racism, slavery, interracial relationships, police brutality, equality, bigotry, being a minority...Pick this one up when it is released in January!

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kstadt929
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I received this as an ARC and cannot say enough good things about it! I enjoyed it even more than expected. It was different than many books I read because there were so many topics relating to racism, slavery, interracial relationships, police brutality, equality, bigotry, being a minority...I really enjoyed learning about the characters portrayed over 3 time periods and how their stories connect. Pick this one up when it is released in January!

Avanders Hello! Have you received your #stuffedstockingswap #sss package? If so, it'd be lovely if you could post a pic & show off the goodies 🤗 If not, let me know and I'll follow up! ♥️🎄 6y
Book_Lust @Avanders still don‘t have mine, hoping it will come today! (edited) 6y
Avanders @Book_Lust ok - let me know if it comes today; if not, I'll follow up w tracking! 😘😘 6y
See All 6 Comments
kstadt929 @Avanders I have not received mine yet 6y
Avanders @kstadt929 ok let me know if it arrives today; if not, I'll get tracking info! 😘😘 6y
kstadt929 @Avanders Thank you! 6y
28 likes1 stack add6 comments
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kstadt929
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Starting my Advanced Reader Copy of this one tonight from LibraryThing 😍

28 likes1 stack add
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kstadt929
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I was so excited to win my second ARC from LibraryThing Early Reviewers!! It arrived today and I can‘t wait to start this one 😁