In the chaotic aftermath of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Nora Longstreet fears all hope is lost, until a young dockworker gifts her with a locket that had belonged to her cousin thought to have perished in the earthquake. With a renewed sense of purpose and with Quinn’s help, Nora plans to offer others the same hope if her father doesn’t stop her.

Quinn Freeman needs to see something, even if only a locket, find its home. What he never expects is to find is his soul mate. Encouraged by the glimmer of hope he sees in Nora’s eyes, Quinn sets out on a masked-mission to do the same for others, even if it means risking his life.

The two survived the deadly earthquake, but can they survive the outrage of a torn city? Can they survive the thick walls of prejudice? Will Nora walk away from her family in order to save Quinn’s life? Can Quinn prove to Nora’s father he is worthy of her heart?

Rich in history, faith and intrigue, Mission of Hope, written by Allie Pleiter, is one of the most beautifully written romances I’ve read in a very long while. With a unique twist on the typical Cinderella story, Pleiter paints a world with such reality that one can’t help but be drawn into her characters lives. I look forward to reading many more Allie Pleiter books.

She looked right into his eyes, and Quinn felt his stomach drop out through what was left of the soles of his shoes. “You’ll probably think it’s silly, but you’ve been such an encouragement to me. Here I was thinking God had left me alone, and you do all those things—those little but very big things—that let me know He’s still minding my path. You’re an answer to my prayers, Quinn Freeman. How does that make you feel?”

He knew the exact moment his heart left his body. The exact instant it disobeyed all the good and solid reasons he had for not pining over Nora Longstreet and left to follow her of its own accord. He stared at her, knowing his affections had just overstepped all kinds of bounds and not caring. He no longer had any choice in the matter. “I’m thinking it might not be wise to answer that, Miss Longstreet.”

~ Christina