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    We Hope for Better Things
    We Hope for Better Things
    We Hope for Better Things
    Audiobook12 hours

    We Hope for Better Things

    Written by Erin Bartels

    Narrated by Stina Nielsen

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    The past is never as past as we’d like to think

    When journalist Elizabeth Balsam is asked to deliver a box of old photos to a relative she didn’t know she had, the strange request seems like it isn’t worth her time. But as she explores her great-aunt’s farmhouse with its locked doors and hidden graves, she soon discovers just how dramatically some of the most newsworthy events of the previous two centuries shaped her own family. 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.

    Take an emotional journey through time—from the volatile streets of 1960s Detroit to Michigan’s Underground Railroad during the Civil War—to uncover the past, confront the seeds of hatred, and discover where love goes to hide.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateJan 1, 2019
    ISBN9781980018575
    Author

    Erin Bartels

    Erin Bartels writes character-driven fiction for curious people. Her readers know to expect that each of her novels will tell a unique story about fallible characters so tangible that it's hard to believe they are not real people. Whether urban, rural, or somewhere in between, her settings come alive with carefully crafted details that engage all the senses and transport the reader to a singular time and place. And her themes of reckoning with the past, improving the present, and looking with hope to the future leave her readers with a sense of peace and possibility. Erin is the author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water, and Everything Is Just Beginning. A two-time Christy finalist and winner of two 2020 WFWA Star Awards and two Michigan Notable Book Awards, Erin has been a publishing professional for more than twenty years. After eighteen years in Lansing, Michigan, Erin and her family are busy enjoying the simple blessings of a less urban life in a small town outside the capital city. You can find her online at ErinBartels.com, on Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor, and on Instagram @erinbartelswrites.

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    Reviews for We Hope for Better Things

    4.5/5

    123 ratings32 reviews

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    • 5/5
      We Hope for Better Things is set in Detroit and Lapeer County, Michigan in the 1860s, 1960s and current day. It seems as if Detroit has most always been hoping for better things, even during its more prosperous years there was an undercurrent of unrest and dissatisfaction. Erin Bartels spent years crafting this story of race in America over generations of the Balsam family. It is a tender story that will both touch and prick your heart.Mary Balsam and her husband Nathaniel were abolitionists during the Civil War era. Nathaniel fought on the side of the Union, and Mary took in former slaves who helped her run the family farm, their lives becoming tightly intertwined. Nora Balsam became Nora Rich when she chose to step away from her privileged upbringing in the outskirts of Detroit to marry William Rich, a young black photographer. William had great plans for making a difference, but in an effort to protect his wife from those in his own community that resented her, moved to her family farm, once run by Mary. Elizabeth Balsam, once a well-known journalist in the Detroit area, lost her position at the paper, and also moved to the family farm to temporarily live with and check on an elderly aunt who had been living there. While at the farm she began to unlock the history of the Balsam family, a history that might be considered a microcosm of the history of the area and possibly of our nation.I recommend this timely story, and am grateful to have received a copy from Revell Publishing through LibraryThing. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
    • 5/5
      I won this book as part of the Library Thing’s Early Review Program. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review and received no compensation for writing this review.What a debut Erin Bartels! She took us on the journey of 3 generations of exceptionally strong women exploring their thoughts as they consider bi-racial relationships including adultery, racial brutality, and injustice in 3 different time periods ranging from the civil war, the Detroit riots of 1967, and current. I definitely would not call this a romance novel by any means, but a novel of arduous love. Am definitely looking forward to reading more stories by Erin Bartels in the future.
    • 5/5
      This three generational story had me crying, cheering and raving mad. A perfect debit for Erin Bartels. Mary, Nora and Elizabeth were strong women who each find their worlds being turned upside down. Mary during the Civil War as an abolitionist who helped escaped slaves turn their lives free by teaching, helping and employing these slaves at her own home. Nora during the Civil Rights movement falls in love with William where interracial relationships are highly forbidden or looked down upon. This puts both William and Nora in danger and then Elizabeth finding out her ancestry, the strength of her ancestors and the truth about her own history all because of photographs resurrected from a camera belonging to her great aunt’s estranged husband.

      We Hope For Better Things is a rich tapestry sewn together with threads of slavery, segregation and understanding. I feel edified, educated and entertained just from reading this fantastic historical fiction. I look forward to reading more from Erin Bartels she has a shining star ascending in the world of writing.
    • 5/5
      An unexpected request spurs reporter Elizabeth Balsam to dig deep into her family history—and Detroit’s history, too—and stories from the Civil War, the 1960s, and the present day intertwine easily for a truly memorable read.Debut author Erin Bartels pens a beautiful story in We Hope for Better Things. She does not shy away from the complexities of racial tensions and discrimination and through it all, offers well-crafted characterizations—the struggles and courage of these women come to life—to drive the narrative.I absolutely loved We Hope for Better Things, recommend it to readers who enjoy multi-generational stories, and look forward to reading more from Bartels in the future.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
    • 5/5
      This book is fantastic. I had a hard time putting this book down. This story starts in the present and then goes from the 1950’s and way back to the Civil War. Elizabeth learns a lot about her family that she never knew while staying with Aunt Nora. Nora gets to tell a story that needed to be told and Elizabeth learns who she is. I received a copy of this book from Bookish First for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
    • 4/5
      This was a really solid fiction read although I guess it could also be classified as historical fiction because some real-life events were incorporated into the story. I thought the author came up with a unique way to tell a story that deals with the subject of racism. Reporter Elizabeth Balsam meets with James Rich and she leaves their meeting contemplating his strange request. He wants Elizabeth to find an older relative she has never met and give her an old camera and a box of photos. Given recent life events, Elizabeth decides to go through with it and leaves her home in Detroit and heads to her great-aunt's centuries old farmhouse. This story follows three strong female characters in different time periods including the 1800s during the Civil War, the 1960s, and the present day.I found myself drawn to the story lines of the past much more than the current day storyline. Part of that might be because the characters of Mary and Nora felt more fully fleshed out whereas with Elizabeth I felt like I didn't know her quite as well. The fact the book alternated between the three different women and time periods really helped with the pacing in my opinion. Even though the book is close to 400 pages it actually felt like a quick read. I didn't find this book to be quite as touching and moving as other readers have thought, but there are a few good moments that got to me. In particular, I loved the message of not forgetting family history and how important it is to share with the next generation. Overall, I think the author did a good job tackling a tough subject and I appreciated her honesty in the Author's Note at the end of the book in which she discussed her writing process.I am glad I got a chance to read this one as the 1960s Detroit riots are not something I remember ever having an opportunity to read about before in a fiction book and it's always nice to read something different for a change. Definitely recommend as a pretty solid read.I won a free copy of this book from BookishFirst and the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review here and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
    • 4/5
      “We hope for better things; it will rise from the ashes.” That is Detroit’s motto. And it is so appropriate, also, to this book, three different stories about three women, all related but each a different generation.Elizabeth Balsam is presently a reporter for the DETROIT FREE PRESS. She is contacted by a black man about photographs of the 1967 race riots in Detroit. They are in his possession, he says, but rightfully belong to Nora Balsam Rich, a white woman who had been married to his uncle, William Rich, the photographer of the photos. Elizabeth learns that Nora is her great aunt and goes to Nora’s home, a big white house in Lapeer County, Michigan, to discuss the photos.Nora’s story begins during the 1960s when she is young, but an adult, living a life financed by her father. They are from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Nora is disowned by her parents when she marries a black man from Detroit, William Rich. Nora and William end up living in the big white house in Lapeer County.Mary, Nora’s great great grandmother, lives in the big white house in Lapeer County during Civil War times. While her husband is away in the army, she takes care of their farm, and her home is part of the Underground Railroad. One escaped slave becomes so invaluable she couldn’t run the farm without him.Although I picked up this book because it is about the part of Michigan where I live, I found much else to like about it. It not only tells about two different points in history; it also adds the mystery of William: What happened to him? Did he abandon Nora? When did he die? Or is he alive?My only problem with this book is one of the coincidences experienced by all three women. It seems unlikely, particularly during the Civil War era, that all three women would have the same experience. There, I haven’t given away any of the plot. But see if you don’t agree.
    • 5/5
      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.Detroit journalist Elizabeth Balsam is approached by James Rich and asked to find a relative unknown to her to deliver an old camera and photographs that have been in the possession of Mr. Rich. Elizabeth is reluctant to get involved until suddenly she is fired from the newspaper she worked for. Now she has plenty of time on her hands.Elizabeth tracks down Nora and makes her acquaintance. Soon she is moving into her elderly relative’s 150-year-old farmhouse. She is soon captivated by the house – as was I - and her inquisitive nature leads her to exploring this house that is sheltering two generations of secrets. A locked trunk, beds lined up in the attic, a locked room, gravestone markers buried in the garden. Elizabeth is the link between generations to draw out the stories of Mary and Nora. And she also finds love with Tyrese.Mary Balsam is strong and admirable. It is 1861 and her husband Nathaniel leaves her to fight in the Civil War. Escaped African American slave George soon enters her life. In Nathaniel’s absence Mary and George struggle together to manage the farm and soon fall in love. Yet they know their love is doomed. Then, in 1963, Nora met William and they fell in love, another love that is doomed. Shortly after moving into the house William disappears. But what happened to him? Like Mary, Nora also has secrets locked away in her house. It is hard to believe that this is Erin Bartels’ debut novel. It is so beautifully written with great characters. She masterfully weaves together the stories of Mary and Nathaniel, Nora and William, and Elizabeth and Tyrese. The shift from generation to generation is seamlessly done. The settings are so well described I could close my eyes and see myself right in the story. As I turned the final page and sighed with a gentle smile upon my face, I knew this was a book I would be highly recommending to others. Great for fans of historical fiction and multi-generational family sagas.I received this book from the publisher via BookishFirst. All opinions expressed are my own.
    • 3/5
      We Hope for Better Things is beautifully written, but the author's choice of storytelling style made it impossible for me to love it like I could have.This story is told in three timelines. The current timeline with Elizabeth, which the description features, is actually a small part of the story. The second timeline takes place in 1963, and the third timeline takes place in 1861. The two timelines in the past feel far more prominent and engaging than the current timeline.Elizabeth's story is quite short by comparison, and I don't feel I ever got to know her well at all. I actually think her part is the weakest of all the timelines. Nora's story, from 1963, is the most developed. The story feels like it belongs to her rather than Elizabeth. But, just when I'd start falling into Nora's story, we'd again switch to the next narrator. The timeline from 1861 has immense potential, but had to be cut short in order to keep returning to the other narrators. This book is many things; perhaps too many things. We have a love story, family dramas and secrets, a look at racism and its effects from the perspective of three separate eras, and the role of women during the Civil War. It wound up feeling too far-reaching, and I couldn't maintain a connection with any of the characters. Ultimately, Elizabeth's story in the present timeline serves as nothing more than a way to connect all the past to the present.I do hope Erin Bartels writes a historical novel without the added present timeline. Her writing beautifully captures some difficult periods in history, and I'd love for the focus to remain there with a single timeline.*I received a review copy from the publisher, via BookishFirst.*
    • 5/5
      EXCELLENT writing!! This story is a gradual build-up. I felt like the writer was taking me on a leisurely stroll through time, casually relating events in the lives of three women, blood relatives. As we continued to walk along I could feel the tension mounting until it reached a crescendo, and I couldn’t bear to abandon it until I turned the last adventure-filled page! We Hope for Better Things is set in and around Detroit, MI, and follows a triple timeline—Lapeer County, 1861 (civil war); the 1960’s (civil rights movement and Detroit riots); and modern day Detroit.When Journalist, Elizabeth Balsam, is given a camera and the promise of some old photographs to deliver to a great aunt she’s never known, by a black man who claims his uncle was married to her aunt, her interest is piqued. The photos, which were allegedly taken during the ‘67 Detroit riots, are just the thing Elizabeth could use to develop the kind of story that aligns with her reputation as one who exposes corruption and neglect. Recently fired, Elizabeth is eager to get her hands on the elusive photographs, but first she has to visit with their rightful owner, her old great aunt, Nora Balsam. Nora lives in the old family house in Lapeer County, Michigan, which was also the home of Nora’s great-grandmother, Mary Balsam. All three women, Mary, Nora and Elizabeth, are linked by blood, and as Elizabeth stays on at the Lapeer house and gets to know Nora through the many objects in her home, where she finds treasures from the attic to the cellar, she’s intrigued. What does it all mean? Close-lipped thus far, Elizabeth hopes that in time Nora will open up and contribute to her story in her own words. As time goes on, and Nora starts talking, secrets about the past overshadow Elizabeth’s career ambitions and she becomes more determined to devote herself to contributing to her family’s legacy.Forbidden relationships, racism, secrets, lies, betrayals, tragedy. Yup, it’s all in there, cleverly constructed with each little fragment eventually coming together to form a unique, atmospheric tale that was impressive. I couldn’t believe this was the author’s first book.Here’s another thing that I loved. Although there were tumultuous scenes and turbulent times depicted, there was not one profane word or gruesome account. That’s what I call excellent writing. When I can envision what a riot must be like through dialog or prose, without having it described to me in expletives, I consider that the mark of a great writer. Very highly recommended.
    • 4/5
      Three generations of women finding themselves thrust in difficult circumstances and finding love in unexpected places. We Hope For Better Things encompasses a story told of people who try to see beyond the color of ones skin, yet caught up in the social judgements and racial bigotry of the time in which they lived. I enjoyed how the story would leap from one character to another with the future generation's story giving us some glimpse of how the previous character's story would end. The author Erin Bartels leaves us wondering about some details and wishing for more historical framework, but overall weaves a lovely story of love found during chance encounters within in difficult circumstances. A good book is one I don't want to put down until the end and think about the character's and their stories long after, thus its given a 4 star rating. Read from an advanced reader copy.
    • 4/5
      This story is told in three timelines: the Civil War the time of Nathaniel and Mary Balsam; the Detroit riots of the 1960s when Nora Balsam fell in love with the wrong man; and the present, when Elizabeth Balsam discovers previously unknown relatives as she is struggling with the feeling that she is “utterly lost and confused”. The connection these three women have is explained through their experiences with interracial relationships and the heartbreaking consequences that a bigoted, narrow-minded society can wreak.These timelines reinforce that some things never change. Racism, intolerance, inequity, hateful behavior find their way in each generational segment of this book. We always hope for better things but as we know history has a way of repeating itself. This story hurts on so many levels. Hidden love, guilty love, love that is rejected by the population at large, and the lovers who have to fight for their small bit of happiness that should be sacrosanct.There is a mystery to be unraveled, a family tree that needs to be followed, its branches begging for discovery. The descriptions are interesting, the dialog flowing.The twists are subtle, insidious and of the left field variety. This author has tackled a thorny, complicated topic and brought fresh eyes and voices to the challenge of relating history without grandstanding and haranguing her audience. I liked the book even while I was getting angry, feeling uncomfortable and comprehending unnecessary hurt so easily inflicted.Thank you NetGalley and Revell for a copy.
    • 4/5
      We Hope for Better Things for the lively cast of characters in this book and for a happier outcome for the current people of the city of Detroit. The plot stays strong, wonderfully readable, and compelling with only a few too many predictable coincidences.The main character, Elizabeth, does not fare as well. For too much of the book, she remains a deceitful and unapologetic journalist, then snoops and trespasses on the personal property of her welcoming aunt where she has no rights or reason, and generally is shallow and unappealing where others are honest, strong, and open.The Christian overlay and her eventual redemptions feel contrived while the book's pervasive racism is treated with a straightforward, authentic, and unswerving approach.
    • 4/5
      I received this book for free from the publisher (Revell Reads) in exchange for an honest review. This was an insightful historical novel about three generations of women from Detroit. It takes place during the civil war, the Detroit riots, and present day. Out of the three stories, I found Mary’s (the civil war one) to be the most compelling and interesting. The present day storyline was probably the weakest just because there wasn’t anything super exciting going on and it was more focused on discovering what happened in the past. I liked how the three stories intersected and connected. The events were woven together nicely and I liked how the secrets slowly unraveled. I also liked that it took place in Detroit and talked about the riots because that isn’t a topic that is often discussed. I also appreciated that the author included a note at the end of the book discussing that any shortcomings or pitfalls are her own fault and acknowledging the fact that she is a white woman writing about people of color. I love that level of awareness and am always happy to see authors admit that. The thing that prevented me from giving it 5 stars, was that it took me a while to connect with the story and characters. It wasn’t until I was near the end that I felt that emotional connection with them. Overall, I enjoyed this look into the past and found this to be a wonderful debut book.
    • 5/5
      Only a week into the new year, and I have discovered a book that will definitely be on the best of the best list. We Hope for Better Things by debut author Erin Bartels is a novel that you want to savor, yet must keep reading to find out what will happen. Beautifully written, it is a complex mix of present day and the past, because what happens in the past often impacts everything we know today. I came to love the characters even as they act in destructive ways. They are deeply flawed, yet feel ever so right. Added to all this is the backdrop of the Civil War and the Civil Rights eras. There was much to learn about the setting, time periods, and my reaction to it all. This book receives the very rare Very Highly Recommended rating — a six-star, if such a thing existed.We Hope for Better Things begins in present day Detroit with main character Elizabeth, a young journalist hungry for the big story, the juicier the better. But she soon finds herself out of a job and in rural Lapeer, Michigan. A family homestead harbors a reclusive great-aunt and stories that may have a greater impact than Elizabeth could ever dream.Although We Hope for Better Things has not just one, or two, but three story lines, they are so skillfully interwoven that the reader feels just how integral they are to each other. Three very strong female characters dominate — Mary Balsam, a young woman left to run a farm when her husband enlists to fight for the Union, Nora Balsam Rich, who falls in love with the right man at the wrong time, and Elizabeth, who finds her family legacy more important than her own ambition. The novel moves from one story to the other — the 1860/1870s, the 1960s, and the present day — with never a misstep or loss of continuity. The breaks between stories just kept me turning page after page as fast as I could. There’s a lot of history that is involved, but it is really the individual reactions of the characters that steer their destiny. I really liked that. It is easy to see historical movements or circumstances as the product of a society as a whole, but in We Hope for Better Things individual choices are important to the development of those movements and to future generations. There are a lot of parallels between the women, showing that one time doesn’t have any greater or lesser moral authority than another. Racism is the overarching theme in the novel with the author again showing it in very personal ways. Its insidiousness reaches into all aspects of life, including the life of the church. Bartels subtle hand doesn’t take away from the big truths shining through. In the end, the reader knows more than the characters, but there are still some mysteries left unsolved or hinted at. I liked that too, because it is those questions that will fuel great reader discussions. And this novel is perfect for book clubs — you will definitely want to talk about this book.I could go on and on about the merits of We Hope for Better Things, but I will leave you with just one final thing — Read. This. Book. You will love it.Very Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 4/5
      I requested a review copy of the book through Revell Reads and was granted it. I am writing this review on my own. All opinions are mine.The book is very unusual and is divided among three main characters and how their lives are similar and yet different. It also deals with racism then and now. It is partially a historical fiction novel and partly modern times. The story goes from one era to another quite well.The characters were well developed and you felt like they were real people. The story captured my attention from the very beginning and it was one that I didn't want to put down. The editing was also very well done. It is important to me to have it flow well and the grammar and punctuation be correct.But, and this will take away one star leaving it as 4 out of 5, the story is supposed to be a Christian novel. Not one of the main characters was a Christian or at least a practicing Christian. In the whole book, I would guess, only two or three minor characters would truly be Christian. It did not show anyone's faith but more the lack of faith. It did not address these issues but left them. I enjoyed the book, but I would not recommend it to an unsaved person because if I were unsaved and read this, I would not see any benefit in becoming a Christian. If it were sold solely as a novel, not a Christian novel, I would have not problem recommending it to an unsaved person. Read as a Christian, it was a disappointment that so many opportunities were missed.All in all, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to a limited number of my friends. I give this 4 stars out of 5.
    • 5/5
      This fantastic new novel follows three generations of women in Michigan as they fight social issues of their day. Even though it's told in three different voices, the story melds together perfectly. The book is so well written and the characters so realistic that it's hard to believe that this is a debut novel. I can't wait to see what this author writes next.It was very interesting to read a book with three women's voices looking at crucial times of war and racism. Mary fights against racism when she opens her farm to escaping slaves during the Civil War. Nora's struggles are set against the racism in Detroit in the 1960s and the Detroit riots. Elizabeth fights to bring their stories to light during the present day. Even though their times were turbulent, the three woman are strong. The main feelings that I got from this book were of strength, love and resilience in the face of adversity.Thanks to Bookish Firsts for a copy of this book to read and review.
    • 5/5
      This is a very emotional and powerful story that touches your soul and stays there for days after reading it. The author has a poetic way of bringing her characters to life and I felt attached to them. The story is moving and takes us back in time as we hear from several characters. I loved how the author brought them all together and intersected their lives in a way that is memorable and poignant. The beauty of the writing is exceptional and the author has a bright future in the publishing world.The topic of racism is very prevalent in this story as it touches each character in a different way. Elizabeth was a very interesting character and I liked how she was brought in the story to discover her past. The story unfolds as we travel from the Civil War to to the Underground Railroad to the unforgiving streets of Detroit in the 1960s.Mary is left alone while her husband goes off to fight in the Civil War. She is scared but when a man comes to her door for help, she opens her home to him. George is a decent man who comes to be very important in Mary’s life. Having George there could get her into trouble but her faith tells her to not turn anyone away who needs help. Mary has a giving heart and welcomes freed slaves into herhome with kindness and compassion.Nora was probably my favorite character with her loving heart. When she falls in love with William, there are unforeseen consequences. I loved how the author lets readers experience what it is like to be discriminated against and the violence that people are exposed to in a world where the color of your skin dictated how you were treated . People did not accept mixed raced couples and I can only imagine what Nora and William were exposed to. The story definitely shows how judgmental people can be and how hatred spreads through generations. Nora’s discoveries will set the stage for generations with historical facts, secrets and a family that didn’t look at the color of skin, but helped each other out. I loved how the author gave us a historical journey through times and I most appreciated Martin Luther King in the story. His famous speech is one I will never forget.Elizabeth was a great character and I loved how her instincts lead her to her family history. It is amazing how great this book easily glides from one time period to the next. It made me thing of doing a genealogy search and reading about your ancestors . Another great part of the story is when Nora and Elizabeth meet. To me this is where the gaps in the story started to become clearer and how families were torn apart because of racism. It really opens your eyes to how little we have come in this world when it comes to accepting each other.I loved this that was said in the story, “ We read the same scriptures , worship the same Lord. We may sing different songs, but I can assure you that we have been faithful to God.”I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. The review is my own opinion.
    • 5/5
      This is an important book. And it is not for the faint of heart. We Hope for Better Things deals with ugly things. Things that aren't pretty. Things that we don't want to read about. But they are things that we need to read about, we need to know about. And the prevailing message of this book is a beautiful one - one of hope. This flips between the points of view of three different women in three different time periods. Elizabeth in modern-day Detroit, Nora in the 1960s, and Mary in the 1860s. While I found these characters somewhat hard to connect with at times, they were all still very well-rounded and well-written characters.Without a doubt, Erin Bartels is an incredibly gifted author. From page one, I was sucked into the story. Her writing style is so beautiful, and her ability to jump time periods so cohesively is incredible. When we entered Mary's point of view, I was instantly in 1860s-era farm country Michigan. When we switched to Nora's point of view, I was instantly in a restless and ravaged Detroit in the '60s. As a Michigan girl and lover of Michigan history, I soaked up the rich history displayed throughout this book. It is very clear Bartels did her research and did it thoroughly. Overall, this is an incredibly written and extremely thought-provoking book that, while not a happy read, is one that is necessary nonetheless. CONTENT NOTE: Recommended for ages 18+ due to mature themes. [The subject of adultery is dealt with rather heavily, and there are also a couple of implied scenes of intimacy between a husband and wife, as well as a few vague mentions of sex in general and prostitution. Racism is the predominant theme of this book, and there are uses of the n-word and other derogatory terms.]
    • 3/5
      Three women from three time periods, each confronting prejudice and racism. That's what I was expecting this book to be about, and it was. However, what I was not expecting is that there would be three separate love stories as well. That still could have been OK, but given the circumstances of one of the romances, I could not root for the couple, and I ended up thinking less of the characters involved.The book started out well enough. As I met Elizabeth, Nora, and Mary in turn, I found that I liked and wanted to know more about each woman.The pacing seemed good, and the story moved smoothly between the three timelines, but sometimes many months would pass before we saw a character again. That didn't leave much room for character development.Still, I believe most fans of multi-generational historical fiction will enjoy this. Thank you to BookishFirst for the copy of this book.
    • 5/5
      What a great read, from beginning to end the author pulled me in, from Civil War time to present day, we meet the members of one family through the generations. This one of the best books I have read this year, and now looking for more from this writer.We see injustice here in many forms, but mainly racism, and some that preach what they don’t practice. There is also some sweet romance here, and some tragic endings, family dynamics at the highest levels.A don’t miss novel that will leave you wanting more!I received this book through LibraryThing, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 5/5
      Reading this book is a little bit like viewing history through a kaleidoscope; as you turn the wheel, the colors shift slightly to make a different picture, but one that is made up of the same elements as the one before. Bartels writes vividly across three storylines, each taking place in a different time. The three time periods (1861-75, 1963-7, and modern time) blend and separate as each tell a story about racism and family.Mary unwittingly and then wholeheartedly opens her home to escaping slaves during the Civil War. Her granddaughter Nora must face the realities of racism when she falls in love with and marries a black photographer. Elizabeth, Nora's great-niece, and an aspiring journalist, thinks she's found the story of a lifetime when she's given a camera to return to this aunt she's never met. The story of each woman echoes the others as they search for the truth of themselves, their family, and its history.Because there is a generation missing between Mary and Nora, and between Nora and Elizabeth, some of the past remains hidden, and Bartels avoids several opportunities to wrap everything up with a neat bow. Usually, loose ends at the end of a book make me crazy, but Bartels demonstrates her gifts as a writer by making even this seem like a natural part of the story.
    • 3/5
      Detroit reporter Elizabeth Balsam is doing someone else a favor (in part) when she travels to a remote farmhouse to return an old camera and a box of photos to an aunt she doesn't know. But Elizabeth's farmhouse visit soon pulls her into a family mystery tracing back to the Civil War in We Hope for Better Things by author Erin Bartels.It was nice to find this story is split into three timelines—a bonus for someone who loves historical fiction as much as I do. Although I didn't get that attached to the characters, and the present-day developments in Elizabeth's life weren't a big draw for me, I really got into the story during the last quarter or so.Now, extramarital indiscretion is sometimes vital to a plot. But whether affairs are physical or emotional, I just don't enjoy watching them unfold and escalate over the course of a book, especially if the affair stretches out for years. I get frustrated with the characters.While this wasn't groundbreaking or that deep of a read for me personally, it does tell a timely story. I think it's good when a novel doesn't paint the Civil War era with a nostalgic, romantic, Gone-with-the-Wind kind of brush. Fiction that connects historical and contemporary times like this serves as a reminder that America's racial problems didn't end after slavery, or after the Civil Rights Movement of the '50s and '60s, or after the inauguration of the nation's first black president, and that racism is in no way confined to one region of the U.S. or another. Nor is it a problem for any one race of people to confront alone.I did get a little emotional during this story's strong and poignant finish. It isn't tied up with a neat and perfect "happily ever after" bow, but it's beautiful all the same.___________Revell provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
    • 4/5
      I enjoy books that span generations, and weave the stories together, showing how our lives have been shaped by past ancestors and events of their day, and this book does all of that! I also enjoy the historical details, and how events of the time period impact those experiencing them. Easy to look back at events in history, and think we would have reacted differently, but we are, in many ways, products of our culture and it's influence on us. This book made you stop and think about that a little more ....why we feel the way we do, how we form our opinions.... A good interweaving of stories of the lives of these women....... and history...... overall a good read!
    • 5/5
      We Hope for Better Things from Erin Bartels is a wonderful debut and a moving story about family as well as society.I found the beginning a little slow for me but not to the point of making me think about stopping. More like just wanting to get through the set-up a little faster. That said, it was probably good that it proceeded slowly and methodically so I could get the names and time frames clear in my mind. So if you start the book and feel it is a little slow, keep going, you will be rewarded.Race, class, and familial ties are front and center in this book. If a sentence or scene rubs you the wrong way keep going and make sure both that you understood it correctly and that it doesn't represent something that the character might learn from later. One reader both grossly misread an early scene (as in even the part quoted does not represent what she claimed it did, she misuses a term that is likely just cliche-talk for her) and, because she did not finish the book, judges the entirety of the book on her misreading of a paragraph. Don't make this freshman mistake, be open-minded and give the book and the characters a chance.If you enjoy historical fiction, especially from the not too distant past and that reverberates for contemporary society, you will enjoy this novel. If you particularly like historical novels that use major historical events as a jumping off point and a bit of a framing device, this will definitely work for you. There will likely be some uncomfortable scenes, as most good books that address societal issues have. These are ideal for thinking about why you feel as you do and, more broadly, how you feel about the issue.Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
    • 5/5
      This novel follows 3 generations of Michigan women. There is Nora Balsam who was a young white woman of privilege during the 1960’s when she meets a talented black photographer named William. His photos of people document a part of Detroit she has never seen. Soon their friendship blossoms into love even though an interracial relationship is discouraged by both their families. Then there is Elizabeth Balsam a current day journalist who uncovers scandals and corruption; and she is making a name for herself. It is the Balsam name that catches the attention of Mr. Rich because he believes she is related to Nora, and he has something he wants Nora to have, but needs Elizabeth to get it to Nora. When Elizabeth finds out that it is something to do with the Detroit Race Riots of 1967, the time period she has been researching, then she is interested to find out if they are related. The 3rd woman is Mary Balsam who lived in Lapeer County outside of Detroit in 1861. Her husband Nathaniel, an abolitionist, is enlisting to fight in the Civil War. While he is gone he keeps sending runaway slaves to their farm and Mary has to come to grips with her feelings about race, and how it affects their family and community. Mary Balsam’s farm is pivotal to all 3 women.This is a fantastic story, well written, it kept my interest to the last page and left me wanting to read more. This is definitely a book for this time in history and I recommend all my friends, family and readers to check it out. 5 stars.
    • 4/5
      We Hope for Better Things by Erin Bartels was a pleasant surprise for me. The novel is about three generations of women who live in Detroit and rural Lapeer, Michigan, spanning from the Civil War to the 1960s to today.I found the novel to be engaging, with interesting storylines and settings, nicely paced, and with well-drawn and sympathetic characters. As a Christian novel, Bartels message is, "God has a plan." Elizabeth has lost her job at the Detroit Free Press. She is asked to visit her great-aunt Nora to determine if she is the rightful owner of a camera and photographs in the possession of an African American family. With nothing holding her back, Elizabeth agrees and leaves Detroit for Lapeer.Nora is confused and reclusive. Over time, Elizabeth pieces together a family history that involves the Underground Railroad, forbidden love, and the Detroit riot. I was interested in reading the book because of its setting. I grew up and now live in Metro Detroit and remember vividly the 1967 riot. Other connections include my husband's family roots in Lapeer and adjoining villages including a great-grandfather who married a Farnsworth, a name which appears in the novel.A bonus for me was the quiltmaking that takes place! A 19th c. Crazy Quilt, a yellow hexagon quilt, and a contemporary crazy quilt are central to the story. I love that Nora is a fabric hoarder, her stash spilling out of the closet and filling dresser drawers!Piecing a life, piecing the mystery of the past, piecing things whole--the book's theme could be said to be the work of taking the worn scraps life hands you and creating something of beauty out of it.A kaleidoscope of color, it was formed from varied patches of jewel-toned velvet and silk, each piece edged with multicolored embroidery thread in a hundred different patterns. from We Hope For Better Things by Erin BartelsHistorical fiction fans will enjoy the book. Women's fiction readers will respond to the challenges the women face. Plus, there is romance and heartbreak and hope. The story addresses racism throughout American history.I received a free ebook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
    • 5/5
      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!
    • 5/5
      I received this book as part of the Early Reviewers program. Erin Bartels tells a fabulous story spanning generations of three women with similar issues into an amazing read that brings racism into the forefront. Bartels brings these characters to life with stories that draw the reader in with characters that the reader grows to love. For me, this was a slam dunk five star rating. I do not usually enjoy reading historical fiction but this was so well written with such well developed characters that I absolutely loved both the story and characters from start to finish!
    • 5/5
      Alternating story lines paint a picture of how interracial relationships have played out in the lives of related women during different time spans in Michigan. Mary, living during the time of the Civil War, is only able to survive with the help of runaway slaves who find her house while her husband is away in the Army. In the 1960's, Nora marries William, a black photographer. against her father's wishes. Her father claims that his family was ruined by black people. When William disappears during the Detroit riots, she isolates herself in her great-grandmother Mary's house, & learns some of Mary's story from Mary's daughter, her great-Aunt Nargaret. In the current time, Elizabeth has lost her job & is convinced to help elderly Nora, her great-aunt. While there she tends the garden with help from a local Black nursery owner and learns about her family buried there.This was an absorbing tale with intertwining relationships which somehow all come together at the end. However, while trying to write this review, I realized that having a family tree would make the specific relationships much clearer, even tho that would spoil some of the mystery.The one part that didn't get tied up neatly is an explanation of Nora's relationship with her parents. We do get a brief scene at the end, but it doesn't seem to flow as smoothly as the rest of the story.Received a free copy as part of Early Readers.