Abiding Hope Author:Melody Morgan For most of her life, Lydia Jefferson has wanted to open up a children's home. She was fortunate to have been raised in a loving foster home and she hopes to help other orphaned children. An opportunity arises to realize that dream when the city council of Peaceful Valley, Ohio reluctantly agrees to sell her a run-down eyesore that they had ... more »planned to tear down. However, there is one stipulation: the necessary improvements must be completed within three months' time or Lydia will forfeit the house. In order to accomplish this feat, Lydia must quit her teaching position and spend all of her savings, but she is one determined lady.
She seeks the help of Nathan Stockwell, a carpenter and wheelwright; but he turns her down because he doesn't have the time to help. The pastor, Ted, and a couple of local church groups become involved in the project; however, a ladies' group stands opposed and tries to reverse the council's ruling, using devious methods.
Nathan strolls past the house one evening and notices the poor quality of carpenter work being done by Lydia and Ted, and he can't help becoming involved with the renovations. Because of his past, he doesn't want to become involved with another woman, and Lydia makes him antsy. But as the two spend time together working on the house, the attraction between them grows. Can Lydia break through his defenses? Will Nathan be able to forget the past and commit himself to a relationship?« less