The Enduring Effect of Hope

Suzanne Beck reviews the novel, Hope's Enduring Echo, by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and the beauty of God's faithfulness.

Hope’s Enduring Echo

Kim Vogel Sawyer

WaterBrook (March 25, 2025)

I was recently recovering from some extensive major surgery and had read and re-read the many books on my shelf.  So it was a great time for me to review the new offering by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Hope’s Enduring Echo!  I thoroughly enjoyed it, and in fact basically read it in two sittings!  

Claude Ward works as an inspector for a seven-mile wooden pipeline that supplies water to Cañon City, CO, but an accident has left him unable to work. His young daughter, Jennie, steps in to do the job, since, if the company found out he was unable to work, they would lose their livelihood.  She’s careful doing the job and is grateful to help do the job for her father, but her life, and especially the job, is lonely; she longs for a friend.  One day, almost in desperation, she impulsively prays for a friend, not really knowing if God can or will hear. 
 
But God quickly answers and off the train one day hops Leo, a paleontology student looking for dinosaur bones that might be hidden in the area. Jennie is skeptical of his ‘work,’ but agrees to help Leo.  As they explore the area and get to know one another, Jennie realizes that her prayer for a friend has been answered.  She learns that Leo is struggling as well with his relationship with his father, a pastor who is unconvinced of Leo’s vocational interest and only wants him to get a real job. 

Answered Prayer in Unexpected Ways

As time goes on, Mr. Ward’s illness makes him more sullen, depressed, and distant, putting a strain on his relationship with his wife, Etta, and on Jennie.  They pray for him, but God also seems distant as the prayers seem unanswered.   In fact, Jennie complains to Leo that despite her many prayers, nothing is changing.  Leo disagrees: “In you, Jennie.  [God’s] changing you. I’ve seen you exercise patience and kindness during trying times with your daddy. I’ve watched hope unfold in you.”  Does God change US when we are in difficult times? Do we trust him with everything, knowing that he can and will work things for our good? 

We know that all things work for good for those who love God,[b] who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 NABRE) 

God eventually brings change, as he usually does, in a very unexpected way, paving the way for medical help for Mr. Ward, vocational success for Leo, new educational opportunities for Jennie, with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure.   

I’d highly recommend this title, it’s a fun, easy read helping us to see that God is in all the details, whether or not it seems like it.  While the book is not “Catholic” per se, it’s full of good reminders of God’s faithfulness. 

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Copyright 2025 Suzanne Beck
Images: Canva