About the Book

Book: Passages of Hope

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November, 2022

Discover the Story Behind a Secret Passageway

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Gracie Kingston begins renovations on the Philadelphia house inherited from her grandmother and finds a secret room. It is connected to a house nearby, the home of William Still, the man known as the father of the Underground Railroad. As she researches, she discovers a mystery in her house’s ownership. In 1855, Olivia Kingston helps a mother and her young child by hiding them in a secret room in her home. As she helps, she learns that there may be an impostor conductor in their community. As Gracie’s and Olivia’s stories intertwine, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and love.

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About the Author

Terri J. Haynes, a native Baltimorean, is a homeschool mom, writer, prolific knitter, freelance graphic artist and former Army wife (left the Army, not the husband). She loves to read, so much that when she was in elementary school, she masterminded a plan to be locked in a public library armed with only a flashlight to read all the books and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. As she grew, her love for writing grew as she tried her hand at poetry, articles, speeches and fiction. She is storyteller at heart. Her passion is to draw readers in the story world she has created and to bring laughter and joy to their lives.

Terri is a 2010 American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest finalist, and a 2012 semi-finalist. She is also a 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Quarterfinalist. Her publishing credits include: Cup of Comfort for Military Families, Crosswalk.com, the Secret Place Devotional, Urbanfaith.com, Vista Devotional, and Publisher’s Weekly.
Terri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology, a Master’s degree in Theological Studies and a certificate in creative writing and graphic design, meeting the minimal requirements of being a geek. She and her husband pastor a church where she serves as executive pastor and worship leader. Terri lives in Maryland with her three wonderful children and her husband, who often beg her not to kill off their favorite characters.
Website: www.terrijhaynes.com
Blog: www.inotherwords.terrijhaynes.com

More from Terri

Family, Underground Railroad, two strong Black women, and knitting in one book? Yes.

As an author, I explore my world with curiosity. I find many subjects interesting and it shows in this book. It’s not often that an author can combine such a range of topics in one novel. I’m so glad I got to do it for this one.

In addition to being an author, I am a knitter, crocheter, indie yarn dyer, business owner, unofficial historian, wife, mother, and sister. At first glance, all those things seem too different to combine in one book. But they weave together so perfectly.

Life is a tapestry of many colors knit together and my goal was to show that. That family and history, grieving and crafting, struggle and triumph, are all entwined threads. Their vibrancy can be combined to create a beautiful project, the pain and joy both add hue and color to life. This is what I hope you find in this book.

MY REVIEW

This is a beautifully written dual time story that will leave you in tears. The author captures past and present with a cast of characters that jump off the pages. I could not put this book down and finished it in a few hours. I love how the author connects the two time periods and brings historical facts to the surface for all to remember. I have read several books about the Underground Railroad, but this story went deeper with realistic people who were part of the movement. I applaud those who stood up for freedom for all people and devoted their lives to helping those in need.

Gracie has inherited her Gran’s house but not everyone is happy about it. Some of the family thinks she doesn’t deserve it, but Gran knew exactly what she was doing when she willed the house to Gracie. The house is overwhelming yet it felt comfortable because Gran had lived there. Gracie’s dream of opening a yarn shop in the house hits a snag when a secret room is discovered. What was this room used for? I loved how the story draws a line between past and present when the hidden room opens a connection to someone from the past.

Olivia is my favorite character because her heart was passionate about helping slaves get free. I can’t imagine what it was like to have hide in a dark room putting your trust in strangers. Olivia is very careful that no one ever finds out she is part of the Underground Railroad. Her compassion to help others is felt throughout the story. Even as she and her husband struggle with trying to have a child of their own, they still put their mission first.

The story is one that will make you think how we take freedom for granted. Those that went before us suffered from beatings, heartache and loss. Olivia knew that this mission she was on was guided by God and she never once gave up. I sit here and think of the many lives that were saved by people like Olivia. Gracie comes to a point in her family history where she discovers something very precious. To know that your ancestors were part of something that helped others gave her strength and peace.

I hope as you read this story, it reminds you that you are loved, important and have a purpose. Remember those who have been lost, those who fight for others and those who have compassion for everyone.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.