The Daughter of Shiloh - (Enduring Hope) by Terri J Haynes (Paperback)

From the very first chapter, this story is a gripping and deeply moving experience. It centers on Lealia, a student trying to redirect her path from Tuskegee Institute to Howard University, and Milton, a compassionate classmate, whose lives are changed at the Shiloh Baptist Convention. This narrative immediately thrusts you into a terrifying and traumatic church stampede where panic breaks out. The author places you right in the middle of the confusion, making you feel the heartbreak and urgency. Milton's quick action saves the badly injured Lealia, along with many others. His subsequent week-long dedication to helping the injured, sets the stage for a relationship built on shared trauma, and deep respect. The depiction of Milton's hidden PTSD adds a layer of struggle that is well-handled. As Milton and Lealia spend weeks healing and helping, their story changes into a compelling mystery, with two major threads: the shooting of a beloved store owner, and the puzzle of the missing money at Shiloh. The blend of emotional recovery, budding romance, and clue-finding is great. As they grow closer, the looming question of their future--Lealia's move, and Milton finishing his degree--creates a heartbreaking situation. I particularly loved the integration the character's faith in response to the tragedy, and to life. This isn't just a romance or a mystery; it's a story about finding purpose, love, and light after the worst kind of darkness. Do not miss this book; it's a five-star read that will keep you captivated from the first page to the last. Thanks to Barbour Books for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

This book is a perfect example of why I love historical fiction! Danger, mystery, and romance were intriguing elements, but the historical details were especially enlightening. I'd never heard of the Shiloh Baptist Church Stampede of 1902 or the fact that it was one of the biggest man-made disasters of its time. Numerous lives were lost, and those remaining were left to face challenging futures. Who caused such evil, and why was this Baptist convention targeted? Lealia and Milton are the primary focus in The Daughter of Shiloh, but many other characters struggle with shock, pain, and a desperate search for answers. I was impressed with the character development, the realistic emotions, and the historical facts so essential to this story but author Terry J. Haynes also includes a powerful message of hope and faith. The Daughter of Shiloh is a worthy addition to the Enduring Hope series from Barbour Publishing, and I recommend this engaging story to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.