Gracie NcNeil has inherited her grandmother’s row house in Philadelphia, which she plans to turn into a yarn shop and hold knitting lessons. While renovating the property, she discovers a secret cellar, which she realises may once have been used by the Underground railroad.

Olivia Kingston is a previous resident of the house, a seamstress by day and a Underground Railroad conductor by night. It’s dangerous work for both the escaped slaves and for those who assist them … especially those who are free Blacks.

The contemporary part of the story follows Gracie’s research about the house, her efforts to start her own knitting business, and her developing relationship with Clarence, her neighbour’s grandson. It’s a sweet romance, but the depth in the story is in Gracie’s personal journey.

Gracie suffers from a deep-seated feeling of unworthiness, not helped by her Uncle Ryan, who seems to take every possible opportunity to find fault or bring her down. I suspect many of us have an Uncle Ryan figure in our lives, and have to learn how to ignore that negative voice (and to try not to be the negative voice to others, especially our children).

Olivia’s story is where all the tension comes in.

While we, the reader, know the house has survived, we have no idea of what happened to Olivia or her “passengers”—in particular, Beulah, a young mother escaping with her ill daughter, Hope.

Olivia lives on the same street as well-known conductor and abolitionist William Still, and brings Still and his work to life brilliantly – the communications, the records, and the ever-present challenge presented by the slave catchers. As a history lover, I particularly enjoyed this aspect of the novel.

Passages of Hope by Terri J Haynes is an excellent dual timeline novel set in Philadelphia and featuring the Underground Railroad. #ChristianRomance #BookReview Share on X

Passages of Hope is part of Barbour Publishing’s Doors to the Past series, which is a set of standalone historical novels. The plot and characters reminded me of Ashley Clark’s dual timeline novels.

Recommended for fans of dual timeline fiction from authors who aren’t afraid to address some of the tougher aspects of US history.

Thanks to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Abut Terry J Haynes

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.

Find Terri J Haynes online at:

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About Passages of Hope

Discover the Story Behind a Secret Passageway

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.

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

Find Passages of Hope online at:

Amazon | BookBub | ChristianBook | Goodreads | Koorong