About the Book

Title: Passages of Hope

Series: Doors to the Past

Author: Terri J. Haynes

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Release Date: November 1, 2022

Click here to purchase a copy of this book.

Publisher's Book Description

"Discover the Story Behind a Secret Passageway

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

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."

My Review

Passages of Hope, by Terri J. Haynes, is a stand-alone novel in the Doors to the Past series. From the first page to the last, this moving split-time novel is truly captivating! This well-written book connects characters, places, and events from the past with those of the present to tell a gripping story that is truly touching and unforgettable. With warmth and skill, Ms. Haynes has crafted a story that is compelling and powerful.

Whether in the past or in the present, this novel is rich in setting and meaning. As it moves between the modern streets of Philadelphia, to the station houses of the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia in 1855, this novel welcomes the reader into spaces of great historical significance where lives are shaped and changed. With clever pacing, the engrossing plot alternates effortlessly between two points in time while successfully connecting scenes of uncertainty, loss, fear, longing, romance, friendship, hope, redemption, and restoration. The well-researched details, immersive settings, and memorable characters ensure that reading this novel is a worthwhile experience.

Ms. Haynes is clearly a talented storyteller. This book offers plenty of drama and suspense perfectly blended with significant history and a touch of romance. It is altogether relevant and enjoyable. Passages of Hope is a special novel, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

About the Author: Terri 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."

Click here to visit Terri J. Haynes' website.

More from Terri

"Family, Underground Railroad, two strong Black women, and knitting in one book? Yes.

As an author, I explore my world with curiosity. I find many subjects interesting and it shows in this book. It’s not often that an author can combine such a range of topics in one novel. I’m so glad I got to do it for this one.

In addition to being an author, I am a knitter, crocheter, indie yarn dyer, business owner, unofficial historian, wife, mother, and sister. At first glance, all those things seem too different to combine in one book. But they weave together so perfectly.

Life is a tapestry of many colors knit together and my goal was to show that. That family and history, grieving and crafting, struggle and triumph, are all entwined threads. Their vibrancy can be combined to create a beautiful project, the pain and joy both add hue and color to life. This is what I hope you find in this book."