A Hope Beyond (Ribbons of Steel)

Second book in the Ribbons of Steel historical fiction series highlighting both the expansion of railroads to the near west in the early 1800s and the developing issues surrounding slavery in the south. The Adams family, protagonists in the story, are plantation owners, and middle daughter Carolina

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is the main character highlighted throughout the three book series. I'm rating the series as a whole because it is difficult to read the first book without wanting to find out what happens to Carolina and her siblings and parents. As with other series by these two authors there are definite villains in this series who are either redeemed or receive their comeuppance before the series ends. I enjoyed it, but one must like historical fiction in order to truly like these books.

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This is book two, in this historical series, set in the 1830s. To fully appreciate this story I feel you should read book one, "Distant Dreams" first. I did appreciate how they put a chapter called "What Has Gone Before" at the beginning to give folks a short synopsis of what book one was all

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about.

Carolina Adams is the main character in the story. She has always had a desire and strong interest in learning, especially when it comes to the westward expansion with the railroad. Caroline has fallen in love with her tutor, James Baldwin, who was betrothed to her older sister. When James realizes his mistake and his love for Carolina, he cancels the wedding plans and leaves town, immersing himself in his work with the B&O Railroad. Carolina is heartbroken by the situation at her home and will eventually end up becoming a nanny to a young child whose mother has died and whose father wants nothing to do with her.

I was never entirely sure how the whole situation between Carolina, young Victoria and her father was all going to work out, and if Carolina and James would ever get together and acknowledge their true feelings for each other. I will let you read the book to find out the answers to both those questions. There is a lot more going on in this story though and it keeps your attention all the way through. Looking forward to reading the last book in this series, "A Promise for Tomorrow" next. If you like historical fiction then I would say this is a series you will really enjoy.

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