Book Spotlight: Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Abounding Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Abounding Hope
Series: Circle of Hope #1
Author: Cindy Kay Stewart
Publisher: Hope Springs Press LLC
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: WWII Christian Historical Romance

Poland’s looming defeat forces an American teacher to escape with children wanted by the Nazis. 

It’s late August, 1939, and the world is on the brink of war. The Nazis are threatening Poland, but American teacher Irena Simmons refuses to flee to safety. She’s dedicated her life to serving in her church and school, and she’s watching over the little German boys she whisked to safety the year before. When her former classmate, Jonathan, surprises her in Lvov and insists she leave with him before the war starts, Irena balks. Nothing will interfere with her work—especially a man making demands. 

American shipping magnate Jonathan Huntwell had a crush on Irena in school. When their former classmates select him to travel to Poland and escort her out before it’s too late, he doesn’t expect the inner turmoil she ignites in him. Although honor-bound to aid any friend in trouble, Jonathan acknowledges that Irena is more than an obligation to him. However, he must keep his feelings hidden, or he’ll jeopardize their friendship. 

Irena soon discovers that the Gestapo agent she successfully evaded in Germany has found her in Poland, and he’s after her young charges. When the Germans invade, Jonathan is in Denmark on business, too far away to help. As the rising danger threatens everything Irena holds dear, she must find a way to protect those she loves. 

Based on true events and backed by extensive research, Abounding Hope is sure to delight fans of WWII adventure cloaked in sweet romance. Come to the place where the war began and discover hope in the darkest places.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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Excerpt

Was this a dream? No, a nightmare. One from which she might never emerge. They’d kill her and take the boys back to Germany. She could only take a shallow breath. Oh, Lord, help!

“You impudent fräulein.” He paused. “Where’s your tall friend today? Hmm? Did he leave you? I haven’t seen him the last few days.” His eyes gleamed like a cat that had cornered a mouse.

“Poland’s days are numbered.” He lifted his chin. “You’ll soon see.”

So today was not the day? He wasn’t going to kill her now?

He nodded at his accomplices, and they kicked two crates off the wagons, sending apples and pears bouncing down the alley. “Bring the boys this way.” He motioned to the men holding Wilhelm and Hans and turned back the way he’d come. The thug holding Wilhelm kept his hand clamped over the little boy’s mouth, but he underestimated the child’s will to fight back.

Wilhelm chomped down, causing the man to holler and let go. The boy screamed over and over again.

A shrill whistle burst through the air. Policja!

Thank you, Lord! Thank you! Krepps and his accomplices would be put away, and the present danger would dissolve as quickly as it had come.

Krepps halted and faced Irena, his eyes narrowing. “You won’t win this battle, fräulein. Neither will you win the war.” He spat in her face and ran off.

Two policemen rounded the corner, blowing their whistles, but the assailants, including Krepps, exited the opposite end of the alley, disappearing with the boys.

Irena rose, bracing herself against the nearest building. She pointed in the direction the men had gone, and the policemen raced past her. They too disappeared, and Irena hung her head.

She burst into tears. She’d failed, and all because she wouldn’t listen. She’d thought she knew best . . .

And now her boys were gone.

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About the Author

Cindy Kay Stewart, a retired high school social studies teacher, current church pianist and Christian historical romance author, writes stories of hope, steeped in love, and anchored in faith. Passionate about revealing God’s handiwork in history, Cindy loves to research until she uncovers hidden gems to share with her readers. She resides in North Georgia with her college sweetheart and husband of forty-two years. Her daughter, son-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren live nearby.

Connect with Cindy by visiting cindykaystewart.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback copy of Abounding Hope, and an e-book copy of Escape (true stories of escape from WWII)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 9, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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