*Many thanks to my dear friend, Cherish, whom I had the privilege of collaborating with for this review. So, when I say, “we,” it means Cherish and me.*

Emily Kendrick, the pastor’s oldest daughter, loves her role as caretaker and homeschooling supervisor for her siblings. She willingly stepped up when her mother passed years ago to honor her mother’s legacy. Still, Emily has dreams of marriage, a home, children.

James McAllister, the oldest of Emma’s boys, has similar dreams of building a home and family with Emily. Just when the time seems right, though, Pastor Kendrick puts a hold on the relationship.

Family, friends, and even new mentors come alongside Emily and James on their journey to wait on God’s timing and see their hope fulfilled. But, when time and circumstances pull them apart for even longer, will their hope and love remain steadfast?

Emily’s Hope is book two in the Rugged Cross Ranch Series by Jill Dewhurst, a much-needed and anticipated sequel! 

Emily’s Hope drifts away from some of the close-knit feel of the first book as we begin to follow more characters who play a role in the lives of those at Rugged Cross Ranch. The elemental feel also shifts, as Emily’s life takes her between a small, American town and a sophisticated, American city.

Yet, the story holds a familiar undertone that is unique to Mrs. Dewhurst’s writing voice. 

I appreciated getting more of Julie’s story within these pages, in addition to Emily’s. Emily is a dear – so sweet and helpful, filled with ingenuity and grace. You are sure to love her!

Again, the pages are filled with adventures, humor, love, trials, prayer, and tears. We especially enjoyed the reverence Emily and James had for her father and the familial loyalty of James’ brothers to support them, if only in prayer.

Mrs. Dewhurst’s experience as a Christian, wife, and mother shines through in this sequel. She skillfully weaves the ordinary lives of her characters into stories we connect with, enjoy, and are encouraged by.

Yet, this book is almost agonizingly slow! You can feel the length of time and trial of patience which Emily and James went through. It is broken up by the lives of varying characters, like Julie, yet the wait is still felt. It is well written to portray the theme of the book.

Emily’s Hope has a beautiful theme! Jesus Christ is our Hope!

We loved the underlying theme of Emily’s Hope; that Christians  – the Bride of Christ – must hope in the Lord as they wait expectantly for the Day when our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, returns! That way, our love will remain steadfast for Him! Once again, the characters and story exemplified this theme. It was wonderful! 

I’m raising a Hallelu Yah! I praise You, Jesus, for Your faithfulness, because I know Your promise true; You said: “In my Father’s house, there are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will also come back for you so that you also may be with Me where I am”(John 14:2-3). Behold, my Bridegroom comes, dressed in blood-dipped garments; Faithful and True is His name!

Emily’s Hope is a sweet addition to the growing Rugged Cross Ranch Series. Enjoy reading this next chapter of your beloved family at the Rugged Cross Ranch!