The Hope We Share

by Juliette Duncan

Can the Master Potter work in Rachel and Andrew’s hearts and give them a second chance at love?

Rachel Jennings’ unwillingness to forgive God for her twin sister’s death when they were twelve has made her bitter and rebellious. Now, approaching thirty, Rachel flees an unhealthy relationship and heads north with her son, Joshua. Arriving in the sleepy coastal town of Coral Bay, she hopes she can build a new life.

Having lost his pregnant wife to a drunk driver, Andrew Daley has travelled a similar road. Arriving at Coral Bay three years earlier, he’s since found peace and purpose amongst the caring group of Christians he believes God led him to and is now trusting God with his future.

When Rachel secures a job as a waitress at the café Andrew manages, a friendship is born and Rachel is challenged to reassess her relationship with God.

Just as their friendship is developing into something more, she receives bad news from home. Can her fledgling faith survive when once again the threat of death rears its ugly head, or will she once again blame God? Can she open her heart fully and allow Him to give her a hope and a future? And can hers and Andrew’s relationship last the distance when they’re miles apart?

The Hope We Share, a contemporary Christian Romance, is Book 1 in The Potter’s House Books Series Two. Stories of ‘hope, redemption and second chances.’ Read today and be blessed.

Coming soon from The Potter’s House Books Series Two authors:

Beyond the Deep by Kristen M. Fraser

Honor’s Reward by Mary Manners

Hands of Grace by Brenda S. Anderson

Always You by Jennifer Rodewald

Her Cowboy Forever by Dora Hiers

Changed Somehow by Chloe Flanagan

Sweet Scent of Forgiveness by Delia Letham

and more...

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Juliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia, and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.

Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.

Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Thank you to the author and publisher for an advanced review copy of this book! All opinions are of my own wording.)

The Hope We Share by Juliette Duncan
This was a beautiful story. Some of my most favorite stories to read are faith based and this definitely did not disappoint!
The main character, Rachel, touched my heart with all that she was dealing with. Being a single mother, she was broken and lost spiritually, and doing what she felt was best for her and her son. Throughout the book you are taken on a journey with Rachel as she meets Andrew and they both learn to love again and find faith. Hearts and family hurts are mended. In the end, they come together and find hope in God and one another!

A great read!

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope We Share

The Hope We Share is the first book in the Potter’s House books for this year. I am looking forward to reading the whole series.

I loved Rachel and Andrew story. They both had losses in their life. Andrew had already overcome his loss but Rachel has a ways to go. Rachel has a young son named Josh, kids always bring so much to a story.

Once I started reading The Hope We Share I didn’t want to stop. I loved all the characters. I also loved the song in the book.

[Debbie Chatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story of Gods hands as the Potter shapes us as His clay. And while he longs to fashion us into into something beautiful and whole, we have to be moldable in His hands. In this story, we meet Rachel who is hard bitter clay due to life circumstances bringing her grief and pain at a young age. She doesn’t see how anyone can follow a God that allows tragedy. Yet God is still at work in her life, but will she acknowledge it? I love how in her running away from life in general, and from a bad relationship; she ends up near Christians who are real, who share with her that faith is really about a daily walk with Jesus, not a life of rules. Will she let down her guard and let anyone in. Along comes Andrew, a widow who has found healing in Jesus, who befriends her. Could this be God bringing them together or will life deal another blow and keep them apart?

I love the themes of God fashioning our lives, of healing, of redemption, of comfort in grief, of family, and of second chances. I love the emphasis on the verses in Isaiah about the Potter and the clay. It reminded me of a hymn. And I love the focus on the book of Psalm where every human emotion is poured out before God. So much to love about this story.

My favorite quotes are
-Deep down she knew it wasn’t Travis she was running from. In a way, she’d been running ever since she’d been a child and lost her sister.
-No matter how flawed we think we are or what knocks we’ve taken from life, Gods hands can fashion us and make us beautiful and whole again

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of how God can always turn everything around. Even though Rachel gave up on God when her twin sister died & turned her back on God, God never gave up on her. She ran away to Coral Bay with her son, but she couldn’t our run God. She made it very clear she wanted nothing to do with God or religion. She was heart-hearted, but her son began to thrive in Coral Bay and they got to know some really nice people that were Christians. They didn’t try to shove their religion on her, they just lived it in front of her. Rachel loved her apartment she was able to rent, the people she was renting it from. They also found her a job that worked out great for her. You will love this story as they all come together & work together. Rachel’s son finally finds someone who cares about him to teach him to do things like fish, play ball & all things boys need to know. They are growing & thriving in this town & Rachel gets a call from her dad, her mother is real sick. Now what? She is going to have to go back to the town she just fled from. She is hesitate to go back, but she musts. Her mother needs her. What is going to happen??

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful start to the second season of the Potters Series. Ms. Duncan is one of my favorite Christian authors, she knows so much of how to write a story that people will love. The characters in her books are as real as someone you would meet on the street. In this story Rachel has been totally disillusioned in what having faith in God means to Christians. When she meets Andrew her new boss at the community center, she has no idea that he has been as deeply hurt as she has. The Christian message is laid out beautifully in this story as a way for Rachel's heart to mend. Just as Rachel thinks life is going good she gets an awful phone call that will test whether she can trust God. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series by various authors.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel’s life is a total mess, she’s not close to family and, fleeing an abusive relationship, she drives over a thousand miles north until she ends up in the small town of Coral Bay. I really liked how Megan not only was willing to rent a unit to her (without references) at a very reasonable cost, but showed her God’s unconditional love by befriending her and her son Josh and helping to find her a job without judging her. This book really challenges the mistaken belief that once you become a Christian, life will be easy and trouble free, instead what you actually get is God’s strength through life’s problems, you just need to keep trusting him even when it is hard. Andrew too has to learn how to be a friend without pushing God onto her and to trust that God is at work even when circumstances seem unfair. A very enjoyable read with a HEA. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[sue chin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book

Really really liked this book which dealt with guilt, trust and forgiveness and moving on. I appreciated how the author dealt with each of these relational issues in our relationship with God and each other. Because God is “invisible” we humans tend to put this important relationship on the back burner (or viewing God through the lens of our human insecurities), pulling it out in times of need and feeling guilty over that: unworthiness and Being a “bad” Christian. As this story deftly communicates, He knows our weaknesses and His grace covers us whether we want to own that or not. Stubborn much?! God doesn’t wants us to get mired in the coulda shoulda woulda. He wants us to come to Him, own our stuff and move on with Him.
I also like how the author dealt with when we hit times of trouble and how we revert back to our default and how to redirect that to grow.
This book had me pause, pray and think (remember/rethink).

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I sit here in tears after finishing Rachel and Andrews story in The Hope We Share by Ms. Duncan, I’m reminded that no matter the path my life has taken, God is always always by my side. How His love for me grows each and every day. Even when my life’s path had me questioning my faith and I walked away for a time. He was STILL with me! Rachel suffered much heartache in life, the loss of her Sister, the abuse of a man, shattered and lost she ran to Coral Bay. Oh how Ms. Duncan so eloquently gave us the most beautiful setting for Rachel’s life to transform in Coral Bay. Such a blessed town with the most charming characters too. Yes, God is always with us and Rachel’s story reminds us of His love for all His children. The 1st book in the Potters House second set is one not to miss!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hope We Share ( Potter’s House Books (two) Book 1 .
By; Juliette Duncan
A beautiful and emotional story that grabs you at the start and you do not want to put it down. This is Rachel and Andrew’s story. Rachel has suffered heartache , lost, and abuse. After running she stops at Coral Bay. Rachel has lost her trust in God and cannot forgive him. Is Coral Bay the town for her and her son? Andrew was a runner before he stopped at Coral Bay. Is there hope for Rachel in Coral Bay? I love that I could just feel God’s power working all through the story. I caught myself with tears in my eyes several times.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette Duncan’s book The Hope We Share:

Rachel has been running for years. When she ends up in Coral Bay she has the feeling that she was meant to stop there. When Rachel meets Megan she knows for sure that there was a reason she stopped in the lovely town. Andrew is drawn to Rachel as soon as he meets her, he knows she needs the people from Coral Bay to help her. You will feel God working on Rachel throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. Juliette Duncan is a amazing inspirational Christian author.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't put into words how much this book touched me. You can feel God's power while reading it. It is so much more than a wonderful christian fiction book; it will lift you up and put hope back in your heart. It is full of bible verses and wonderful quotes. My favorite two were " No matter how flawed we think we are or what knocks we've taken from life, God's hands can fashion us and make us beautiful and whole again. If we let Him." and "You're the artist and the potter; I'm the canvas and the clay. And I know You're not finished with me, no You're not finished with me yet." This book is definitely a Must Read!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is that book that you want to share with your best friend because you loved it so much! The Hope We Share has great characters that have gone through incredibly tough times. Rachel has built up walls to protect herself from people and from God. Andrew isn't sure if he's ready to move on after the death of his wife. Juliette Duncan weaves a tale of renewed faith and romance that will encourage and entertain the reader. The characters' faith flows as a very natural part of the story. The plot has some twists and moves at a good pace. I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this wonderful story.

[Amanda Fraley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very emotional for me to read. It talked about grief that the two main characters experienced. It was realistic and reminded me of my own past and current grief situations. The book is filled full of helpful scriptures from the Bible. I loved reading this because it reminded me that I'm the clay and that the Master is still working on me! If you want to read a real christian book that is clean, interesting and realistic check this author out.


I have received this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Linda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of opening oneself to God after loss and bitterness over the loss. After many wrong choices in her life, Rachel is led to a town where she meets only kindness and acceptance and has her faith in God restored. Despite troubles along the way, Rachel learns the true meaning of God’s love and though life isn’t all roses and sunshine, God does love us and want the best for us. Well written, moving relationships with others and Rachel finding her strengths as she matures in her relationships.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hope We Share is a tender story of redemption. I felt sad for Rachel who blames God for her twin's death and was running from an abusive relationship to protect her seven year old son. I admired Andrew Daly who runs a church sponsored community restaurant and isn't afraid to gently encourage Rachel towards a renewed relationship with God. I recommend the Hope We Share to others who enjoy contemporary romance. The book setting is Coral Bay, Australia which only enhanced the story! I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about love and restoration.
Kyle and Hope are thrilled at the impending birth of their first child; however that was not to be.
Hope spirals into deep depression, lost her faith, and is angry at God. Nothing her loving husband does seems to help. Very interesting events happen that help her realize that God loves her, never left her, and has a purpose for her life.
This is a very descriptive, well- written and beautiful story of God's grace.
Be sure to have plenty of tissues handy hen reading this excellent novel!

[Judith Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Start

I loved the original Potter's house books, and Juliette Duncan is an excellent writer. So it is fitting that she begin the second series of books around the theme of God being the Potter who is molding each of us into who he wants us to be. Rachel as an artist finally sees God as Creator/Artist who wishes to mold her into the person she is meant to be. Andrew is a few years ahead of her as God has healed him, and molded him into the man Rachel and her son Josh need.

[Mrs Judith Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to the new round of Potters House books and I am happy to say that this first one did not disappoint. The gentle way that the Potters hand moulds Rachel as she sets about rebuilding her life after she had been hurt is so beautiful to see. I always enjoy this authors work and once again I couldn't stop reading.
I was given a free copy of this book but this has in no way influenced my review which is my own honest opinion.

[JLS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Duncan has written another powerfully moving story of redemption. Rachel and Andrew's story is so beautifully written. I could not put it down. It's about love, loss, sorrow, anger, bitterness, friendship, love, grace and hope. Throughout the story, we see that life isn't perfect but God's love and strength is sufficient.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Margaret Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette Duncan has written another book that helps us learn about the Grace of God and His working through others to draw people to Him and His love. I really enjoyed the character of Drew and Rachel. I always enjoy stories that have men who shower love and care on children! I enjoyed reading this book and it gives us a beautiful story of the Hope that comes when we surrender to God. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but have freely chosen to share my own thoughts and opinions!

[Anne Bester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another wonderful book by Juliette Duncan that I couldn't put down. Some parts of the story bought tears to my eyes as I felt the pain of the characters. I could connect with Rachel as there was a time in my life where I too turned away from God but He never turned His back on me. This is a great story about overcoming pain and have a chance to transform your life. I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Noma Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book! The star of the book has had some hurtful things happen in her life and the last straw was her boyfriend hitting her. She took her son and went to another town to start a new life, if possible. There she met some wonderful people and really settled in. This book was an ARC that I received from the author. I am giving this review so other people might find this book and enjoy it as much as I did!

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Andrew's story is of restoration from hurt, doubt and anger. God is the Potter and we are the clay. The story evokes emotions of sorrow, anger, grace, love and hope. Juliette Duncan weaves scripture and hymn lyrics into the couples journey of restoration. Will Rachel's new found faith survive the bad news from home. Hope you aren't letting this knock your faith. Precisely at these times when we need faith - so fitting for this story with its Australian setting.

[Marta Aldrighetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cairns, Australia.
Rachel and her son HOsh travel often, from city to city.
This trip is different, they run away a violent man and hope to start a new life: school, job, friendship, home.
Rachel hears at the church meeting this Bible verses: "You're the artist and the potter; I'm the canvas and the clay".
this nice book is realistic, the characters are family and life problems, true friendship and fears to fight to.

[Alice LaJuett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting past life's tragedies is a struggle many face

Getting past life's tragedies is a struggle many ! Losing a twin sister and becoming pregnant at a young age, she has lost her faith in God! After an abusive relationship she leaves and finds herself settled in a small coastal town. He is a widower, managing a diner. As he introduces the Master Potted to her, will she be a malleable clay? This is a lovely book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that this book portrays we are never beyond God's love. I like that even in our deepest wounds He can heal & restore us. I like the song that was quoted that we are continually being transformed & changed like clay. I like that God has come into all our pain, sorrow, & grief & as we surrender He can bring good out of all our wounds. I like that Andrew & Rachel can share each other's griefs. "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books by Ms. Duncan. What a wonderful story of God's love and His work in the lives of His children even when they deny Him. The story is well written and the characters are wonderful. I'd love to find a town like Coral Bay with people like the people who live there. I enjoy this author's books so much. They are always inspirational and encouraging with realistic characters and stories.

[NanaShauna Joesten · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic story. Shes has a past that she is running from and wants to start a new life with her son. This is an amazing story, of love and loss. This is a twar jerker that is a real page turner. That I couldn't put down after starting it. I definitely recommend this Wonderful story.
Shauna Joesten

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. I love the way that Ms Duncan weaves her faith into her books and even quotes scripture. Her books are faith filled and also just goodreads. This one is the story of Rachel and Andrew and how they overcome all obstacles. It is a heart wrenching story and Ms Duncan does such a good job of delivering it.
I was given an ARC for an honest review of the book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational story showing us we can run from God but he always has a plan for us, leasding us to the right people who will help restore our faith. Also, when things seem bleak, God is the strength that gets us through. I love how Andrew accepts Rachel's son Josh. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.