A Hope and a Future: A Christian Historical Fiction Novel

A Hope and a Future is a Christian historical fiction novel by Delores Kading about grief, faith, redemption, and finding hope after devastating loss. Set in rural northeastern North Dakota in the early 1900s, the story follows Ruth England Gottlieb as tragedy forces her to rebuild her life and discover that God has not forgotten her.

Ruth moves to another town and takes a job as ‘chore girl’ for Amos Armstrong, an irascible farmer whose leg injuries prevent him from tending to his animals and his fields. Amos is not easy to get along with and presents Ruth with many challenges. How she deals with her situation does not bring her joy or satisfaction. Yet God has not forgotten about Ruth even though she is not aware of His help.

In the midst of self-pity and despair, hope seems elusive for Ruth. Her plan of being a schoolteacher having been thwarted, what lies ahead for her? Where will Ruth find the hope and strength she needs to move beyond not only her past but her present?

Through a series of events, she hears God’s voice and receives the love He has for her. She is finally able to rejoice in a new life and realizes she has a hope and a future in Jesus Christ.