Ginny Aiken has written more books than I can count.  On top of that, she’s written all kinds of books:   short  and long, humorous and wrenchingly moving as well as filled with suspense.   She amazes me because at any length or any depth of emotion, whatever she writes is terrific.  

Her first book in the THE WOMEN OF HOPE series, For Such a Time as This, was released Tuesday.   In her books in this series, Ginny takes a story from the Bible and set it in more modern times.  For Such a Time as This takes place in Oregon in the year 1879.   My favorite books by Ginny have always been the short, humorous ones. so I approached this novel with some misgiving which turned out to be misplaced.   This longer and deeply touching novel fascinated me and it also had Ginny’s trademark humor sprinkled throughout. 

The setting of  the small  town is beautifully described with historical details that made me feel as if I, too, were in Bountiful, experiencing the struggle of the farmers against drought and insects.   The characters are artfully and clearly drawn.     I loved Olivia’s rambunctious family and the children she cares for as well.  Elijah and Olivia come across as strong but flawed, often stubborn but loving people.   They grow, both as people and together as husband and wife although they can’t admit that–until the twist that tests them but not Olivia’s faith.   

I look forward to the next novels in this series.