We Hope for Better Things

By: Erin Bartels

Narrated by: Stina Nielsen

"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, USA Today best-selling 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 best-selling 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 listeners 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.

©2019 Erin Bartels (P)2018 Recorded Books

Captivating and thought provoking!

I have no idea how many books I have read and listened to this year, but this is, by far, the best book I have listened to this year and maybe the best book I have listened to in the last couple years. I loved this story!!!

Great book

Loved this book, I found myself not wanting stop listening. From beginning to the end it kept me captivated.

Excellent, Exciting and Enjoying

First , let me say it's a treat to listen to a book not consumed by vulgar language, thank you Erin Bartels.

Second, the story was executed with just enough secrets from each timeline to keep you wanting more.

Third, I didn't want it to end!

I really enjoyed this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It was hard at first to separate the Narrator's settings, however once you start getting into it it gets deep and she really takes you back into that time.

So beautiful: rich and haunting story

Simply beautiful story of history and family and memories.

A young reporter's life takes a detour as she is sent to look after her elderly relative in an old house that has been in the family for centuries.

The author seamlessly blends three histories into one compelling story that is full of surprises, turns, and surprisingly poignant moments.

The narration is unobtrusive and smooth, and the author deals with terrifying and tragic events with a light and honest hand.

Definitely recommend!