Forevermore

Only in Gooding #2

by Cathy Marie Hake

Another unforgettable heroine!
Like a dandelion in the wind, Hope Ladley blows from one farm to the next, helping cook for the field hands during the harvest. Illiterate and often twisting cliches and Bible verses into mind-boggling observations, Hope leaves widower Jakob Stauffer baffled by her unconventional ways. But her sunny disposition and unstinting love make changes of a different kind around the place. His little daughter and the pregnant sister he's shielding from an abusive husband adore Hope, and things are getting accomplished even if Hope's methods are unique.
Then Jakob's brother-in-law shows up and threatens the newfound peace and happiness of the farm. With Jakob's future uncertain and his heart tangled, can the farmer convince Hope to take root and remain as his wife?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

As a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.

Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.

Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."

In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.

Reviews

[Hannah Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I read this book a really long time ago, but it's one of those stories that has just stuck with me throughout the years. I will definitely need to reread it sometime.

Update: Reading this book as an adult now makes me love it all the more! This story is so dear to me.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up "Forevermore" and "Fancy Pants," both by Cathy Marie Hake, at the library and read "Fancy Pants" first. After finishing that one I wasn't sure if I wanted to try "Forevermore," but I'm glad that I did. "Forevermore" was a thousand times better than "Fancy Pants."

I found the character of Hope to be quite humorous and I really liked her. She reminded me of Amelia Bedelia, only Hope actually gets things accomplished, in more of a Mary Poppins kind of way. I can see how some readers would be turned off of Hope's folksy way of speaking and her quirks, but I found them to be endearing.

"Forevermore" has some of the same characters as "Fancy Pants," but it is (thankfully) not necessary to have read "Fancy Pants" in order to enjoy "Forevermore."

[Amanda Tero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope really annoyed me the first chapter, but after about five chapters, I completely fell in love with her. She is a total country, illiterate character who speaks her mind and is a peace maker. My only qualm is that she was a little too perfect—but for some reason, it didn’t make me hate her at all.

I really appreciated the spiritual content in this one—from page one, where Hope basically prays, “Okay, God, You led me here.” It was steady throughout the entire book.

The storyline was interesting to follow, the romance sweet and slow, and the climax believable. I can’t say I loved how things turned out with Annie because of my realistic-and-accurate brain, but I still enjoyed it.

While I couldn’t recommend “Fancy Pants” to everyone, I don’t remember any scenes that were inappropriate for readers 16-up in this one.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely charming and uplifting. It reminds me of Amelia Bedelia for adults. The clever turns of phrase were thought provoking in a way that didn't feel forced or preachy. Greatly enjoyed this one.

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the "only in Gooding" series. I loved the heroine Hope. She's illiterate and doesn't speak well but she's the kind of woman who you instantly take to and wish she was your friend. I loved this book!

[Hannah Linder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent!!! The characters were so dear---and quick to fall in love with. The novel was very well written, and by the time I neared the end of the book, I couldn't stop thinking about what was going to happen next!!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Marie Hake’s novel Forevermore, title perfectly describes Hope Ladley, the hardworking itinerant farm-worker whose numerous former employers always wanted more of her forever, instead of as a temporary cook for the field workers during the harvest season. But, no, Hope felt led by the spirit and gladly moved on after the harvest to the next farm she believed needed her help. That is until she arrives at the farm of widower Jakob Stauffer.

Gruff, distant, and still mourning the death of his wife, Jakob initially does not care for Hope’s odd methods of accomplishing tasks. However, he needed her help to care for his young daughter and his pregnant sister hiding at the farm from her abusive husband. Although illiterate with a tendency to mangle old-sayings, Hope’s perceptive handling of various problems that arise on the farm made her an invaluable asset to Jakob. Kind and patient Hope, overflowing with a positive attitude, softens the tough exterior of Jakob.

The entry of Jakob’s abusive brother-in-law into the story introduces a dark, evil character, which adds an intriguing element and deeper drama to the novel. Hake expertly constructs love interests in the novel gradually, almost secretly, which makes the story all the more enjoyable. The homespun, down-home quality of the book: neighbors taking care of neighbors, preparation of comfort foods, canning, and sewing—slows one down and draws the reader into the scenes.
Readers that enjoy a rustic, easygoing, family-focused story sprinkled with romance, will love Cathy Marie Hake’s Forevermore.
inspiredbooksguide.com

[Delia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Ladley drifts about the Texas farmlands like a dandelion "wishie"--helping out wherever she's needed, then moving on to the next place God sends her. But when she and her mule, Hattie, stop at the Stauffer farm, Hope's life takes on a drastic change. This time her heart gets tangled up as hopelessly as does her tongue on the endless string of quips she constantly misquotes (with strangely accurate results).

Jakob Stauffer farms his land while sheltering an abused sister, raising an adorable little girl with a big fear of the dark, and grieving his deceased wife. Hope's arrival creates seemingly chaotic changes in his lifestyle, while somehow smoothing out the rough spots and righting all the wrongs in his world. By the time she fulfills her "pact" with him, he's far from ready to let her drift out of his life.

It's been a long while since I so thoroughly enjoyed a book. Cathy Marie Hake paints characters so real they nearly walk off the page. Hope Ladley, with her uneducated speech and wise heart, is genuinely funny, relentlessly loveable, and completely unforgettable. Forevermore is one of those wonderful stories you hate to see come to an end.

Definitely one for the keeper shelf!

[yojharobed || I have no sword. I don't need a sword. Because I am the Doctor and this is my spoon. En garde! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had read all of Cathy Marie Hake's books, but then I found this one at the library and was excited that there was another one so I got it. I liked this one a lot. I like that all the books are woven together and you can read one of them and it has little bits of other characters lives. I thought this one was very well done and had a good story line.

One thing that I don't like about Hake's writing is that for like, the first 2/3 of the story the two main characters don't like each other and then bang!, all of the sudden the guy realizes that he likes the girl and suddenly is madly in love with her, when two chapters before he didn't like her at all.

But overall I thought this was a good story. I like the way the Emmy Lou accepts Hope completely from the beginning, so when Hope and Jakob get married in the end, there is none of the tense "evil stepmother syndrome" thing.
I loved the way that Hope messed up all the sayings but they still made sense. Very good Christian romance novel.

[Pathway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought for sure I had read all of Hake's books, but when riffling through my bookshelf I stumbled upon Forevermore and was pleasantly surprised. I love Hake's writing and was getting antsy for her next release, so finding one I hadn't read was a treat. As all of Hake's books I give it a 10 out of 10. She does a great job of tying in a little suspense to her historical romance books, that keep you turning the pages even faster. I read this book in 2 sittings, and although could predict how the love story would pan out, she always throws in some twists to make you second guess your predictions. I also like Hake's sense of humor and found myself giggling aloud more than once! This book also seemed to have a more profound theme of faith than some of the other Christian Historical Fiction authors I have read. It is not in your face, so this book would be a great book to share with your Christian and non-Christian friends alike.
Reviewed by: Jeanette Blackson

[Monkeyface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake. I fell in love with Hope Ladley she is a woman after Gods own heart. The story is about her Like a dandelion in the wind, Hope Ladley blows from one farm to the next, helping cook for the field hands during the harvest. Illiterate and often twisting cliches and Bible verses into mind-boggling observations, Hope leaves widower Jakob Stauffer baffled by her unconventional ways. But her sunny disposition and unstinting love make changes of a different kind around the place. His little daughter and the pregnant sister he's shielding from an abusive husband adore Hope, and things are getting accomplished even if Hope's methods are unique. Then Jakob's brother-in-law shows up and threatens the newfound peace and happiness of the farm. With Jakob's future uncertain and his heart tangled, can the farmer convince Hope to take root and remain as his wife? I give this book 5 stars and a 10. A most wonderful book with a lot of faith and scripture.

[Bobby · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel has potential. Like the novels of Nicolas Sparks, this would be a better movie than book. My biggest complaint was the author's difficulty in allowing her story to "unfold." Indeed, she was often redundant, almost seeming to want to assure the reader did not miss a single point she intended. Also, her use of dialogue to build her characters detracted rather than added to the story and at times, created inconsistent cartoons, rather than the charming people intended. I liked the positive attempt to create a main character with Learning Disabilities and an Attention Deficit as dimensions of her character, without overcoming disability as the focus of the story. "Forevermore" is as it's title implies, a simple love story. Despite my governs with the author's style, I enjoyed the story.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of Cathy Marie Hake's books I read. It made me a true fan of her writing. Hope who goes where God sends her to those in need is unable to read due most likely due to dyslexia, is a loving giving young woman. Talented in housekeeping skills she arrives at Jakob's house looking for work. Her goal is to stay as long as she is needed.

Jakob, a Texas farmer and widow, has his doubts about Hope, but his abused pregnant sister needs help and his toddler daughter needs more attention than either can give her.

All these have well developed characters who struggle with the issues effecting their lives. They grow in faith and gain victory over their fears, and Hope's continual mangling of cliche is delightful and makes you think of the truth of the cliche and how she says it.

Delightfully humorous.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness! I've never read a Cathy Marie Hake book I didn't like. I've always giggled through them, loving the characters and the predicaments so very much. I love the town of Gooding and all the fun people who live there--but Hope has stolen my heart! She is now my hands-down favorite character EVER. From her messed-up sayings to her sweet heart that somehow soothes over the worst situations, she is a woman that I would love to know. When I have a fiction book on my Kindle, I rarely make sure I have a paper copy on my shelves. This one ... it's a must buy for me.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE the main character in this book, Hope Ladley. She's such an unusual heroine - she can't speak properly, can't read and is always messing up idioms, metaphors and Scripture verses. But she loves fiercely and takes the family she serves as her own, working energetically for them, and staunchly defending and protecting them.

[Sarah Gai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has officially become my all time favorite book. I did not want this to ever end. The characters worked so well together and well..... Hope is amazing. The cliches were my favourite part and I found myself laughing a lot. The book left me feeling really good and looking at life the best possible way.
Thankyou so much cathy

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet Christian fiction. It had great characters and a good setting. The bad guy was taken care of too easily tho and I just could not get over the main character Hopes accent. Oh well.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book even more than the first. Although I don't think this book requires the first book to enjoy it, readers of book #1 will appreciate several repeat characters popping in here. What really charmed me about this book and persuaded me to recommend it even before I finished it, is the character of Hope. She is such a charming gal who's propensity for mangling popular sayings reminded me of a grown-up Amelia Bedelia. I dearly would like to know from the author if her character was based on a real person. Another aspect of the story that made it feel so familiar to me is the farm setting and just enough German thrown in to remind me of my great aunts and uncles who are no longer with us. I could easily hear them throughout the story.

Hope is a well-respected housekeeper who moves from place to place. She never truly settles down and compares herself to a dandelion "wishy" that blows on the wind. A deep faith in her Savior comforts her in what might otherwise be a lonely existence, just her and her quirky mule Hattie. Her inability to read has caused her to misunderstand common cliches over the years, but she reinterprets them with her own style that often makes more sense than the original and eventually endears her to everyone. When she helps out at harvest for the Stauffer farm, she quickly learns the Lord has sent her to heal some very deep wounds of a grieving family. She also learns they have some secrets that need to be protected. What will happen when she must move on once again?

[Katrina Roets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last night I decided to go back and see what the oldest book on my Kindle was that I hadn't read. It turns out that it was Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake. It looked interesting so I settle in....and read until 4 am. Oops!



The Good:
I adored the characters in this book. Hope and her mixed up cliches but tender heart drew me in and I found a new favorite heroine to add to my list. Each of the characters felt as if they were people that I had come to know and love before I clicked close on the file. I loved the realism depicted in the book. It didn't feel made up, but had those little details that told me that the author had done her research.

The Bad:
If I had to find a bad, it would be that I was a bit confused at one point as to what the family's first language was. Early in the book, they ask Hope if she speaks Dutch but later in the book, Hope mentions the siblings conversing in German. I'm sure there's a logical explanation for this but I haven't taken the time to research it.

The Summary:
A sweet Christian book that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The book wasn't so much a romance but a telling of people's lives and I really enjoyed that. This book is about 8 years old now but if you enjoy sweet Christian stories, I'd see if I couldn't find a copy of this one.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope’s quirky sayings had me hooked at the start! I didn’t read the first book in the series yet because I didn’t realize I was starting in the middle. But it sounds like these can be standalone books. I seriously enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the characters. It took just a little bit too long for the Hope and Jacob to admit that they love each other but of course that’s pretty standard in these books. I love the quotes from the Bible that they include throughout the story line and how they relate it to the plot. I thought that the story was very well written and the characters were very well fleshed out. There are parts that I found just a little bit too preachy but overall I was very happy with the book. I’m looking forward to going back and reading the first in the series. By the way, I read this as an audiobook produced by a faith based group that does religious fiction. I didn’t know there was such a thing until I heard it on the recording.

[Cinnabug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book on my to-read list for a while, and heard so many good things about it, but for some reason I put off reading it. I'm so glad I finally did, though! It is definitely my favorite of this author's books so far.

I loved Hope's vibrant personality and all of her sayings. I loved the way she brought God's Word into everything she thought and did, and how she ministered to everyone she met. And I loved the way the Jacob's family accepted her with respect and kindness even when her ways seemed very unusual to them.

There are more stories here besides Hope's. There are Annie's, Jacob's, and the little girl, among others. I loved how the author intertwined them all together and showed us how one person can be used by God to help and heal others, all because that person listened to God and was obedient to His leading.

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was clean and slightly more serious than fluffy. Set in the late 1800s in Texas, it takes a cursory look at grief, domestic abuse, a handicapped child, and the power of love. The characters are well developed and the plot was a little different than the usual.
Sometimes the author introduced a scene to build suspense and then kind of forgot to follow through. Like at one point they look out the window and think the bad guy is coming but it's somebody else, but then he never seems to arrive at the house or have any part of the plot. Things like that happened about three times in the story. That was my only complaint with the book.

[Dorothea Müller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hope Ladley geht dorthin, wo Gott sie hinschickt. Sie zieht umher und hilft dort, wo Hilfe gebraucht wird. Sie vertraut dabei auf Gott. Das hat mir gefallen, anderseits war es mir manchmal etwas zu viel Kirchliches in der Geschichte. Jakob ist froh um die Hilfe und doch braucht er sie nicht, seine Meinung. Man merkt schnell, dass auf dieser Farm einiges vor sich geht. Hope verändert einiges auf der Farm und sorgt gleichzeitig dafür, dass sich keiner benachteiligt fühlt. Neben dieser eher zarten Liebesgeschichte, die sich aufbaut. Geht es hier viel über Gott und die Kirche, es passt auch wiederum zu der Zeit, in der die Geschichte spielt. Tolle Geschichte.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed most of it because I had a hard time liking the protagonist. She seemed too folksy and gimmicky for me. I'm sure others would see charm in that and how she constantly mixed up proverbs and sayings, but it felt like too much. If she were a real person, I don't know if I'd enjoy being in her company for extended periods of time.
And like the first book in the series, the POV from the antagonist (a previous love interest in both cases) seemed disjointed from the main flow of the book.
Yeah. . .didn't really like this one much.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope travels around, stopping at different farms to help with cooking, cleaning, or whatever else needed done during harvest. She’s illiterate, and the way she mixes up old sayings is both funny and endearing. When she stops at Jakob Stauffer’s farm, things are different. He’s a widower with a little girl who is going blind and a pregnant sister hiding from her abusive husband. Hope is a very hard worker, and fits in with the family. I liked this story and the way God was a part of every day with them.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent historical novel. A little darker than many, including themes of domestic abuse, physical limitations, and learning challenges among others. The second book in a series, it stands well on its own. I enjoyed the main characters, especially Hope's mixed-up metaphors. I would have liked to read more about the burgeoning romance between Jakob and Hope and, or perhaps especially, the one blossoming between Phineas and Annie.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also entertains, as the first book in the Gooding series did. These books do not have to be read in order but characters from the first story are mentioned and a warm, cozy feeling is elicited if you have already read their story. Hope reminds me of Amelia Bedilia! I can’t go higher than 3 stars for two reasons: it was a little long and drawn out for this type of book, and I was not too fond of Hope’s dialect, even though her misinterpreted sayings were very funny.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

So after reading Fancy Pants, I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this. But I did.

Enter Hope mangling cliches and setting a bad situation to rights, just like Mary Poppins. Or Anne of Green Gables - a bit, in that she talks a lot. Or Pollyana, seeking all the glad things.

So I admit I enjoy reading books about happy people as it helps me to walk on the sunny side of the street.

I was truly sad when it was over.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The faith of Hope was so great that she can put me to shame.

She may be illiterate in an educational way but she is wise beyond measure. I adored her witticisms and how everyone was always ready to correct her until she defined why hers made more sense.

I did not much like Jakob’s brother-in-law or the way he treated Annie but then I do not have much respect for bullies.

I have read this more than three times and each time I find something new to enrich me.

[BookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with some of the other reviews that relate Hope to Amelia Bedelia and Mary Poppins. I found Hope to be a breathe of fresh air and loved how the bond grew between Hope and Jakob. I did find it to be a little bit of a heavy read at times with all of struggles the characters were facing, but loved how they leaned on God.