Rachel's Prayer

Of all the books about the Wortham and Hammond families, this my favorite, next to the first one. I like the way the characters are developed, although some of them don't turn out very well. I especially like the growing love between Sarah and Frank which is so special. The only complaint I have about the book, and the series, is that I think Leisha Kelly could say the same thing in a lot less words. She tends to be somewhat repetitive.

Rachel's Prayer is the fifth in the series of books that chronicles the life of the Wortham family and their friends and neighbors. It retains fresh storylines while keeping the characters true to their original personalities. Each book has expressed messages of faith while exploring the frailties of the human spirit. I will read about this group of characters as long as Leisha Kelly writes about them.

I have enjoyed all of the books in this series. This is the last of the series. For some reason, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others but it was still a very good book and I would recommend it.

Not long after Peal Harbor, many Americans from all parts of the country enlisted. In Southern Illinois, Robert Worthem, his best friend Will Hammond, two of the latter's brothers, and other townsfolk join the army. By the third week in January, just over a month since the sneak attack, the new soldiers are off to war. Robert's parents and the Hammond's widowed dad are proud of their respective offspring but worry and pray for their safe return. As if he knows his mom Julia needs solace Robert sends a letter home that includes a special prayer from his girlfriend Rachel. She shares the prayer with her spouse Samuel, her daughter Sarah and Willy's family especially his dad George and brother Frank. Each turns to God for comfort and pray that their loved ones will come home alive. Four years have passed since RACHEL'S PRAYER with a new test of faith being WWII and its impact on the young males of the Worthem and Hammond families that are of an age to fight. Readers actually see the effect on those left behind praying for the safe return of their loved ones as perspective is rotated between Rachel, Sarah, and Frank. Americana historical readers will appreciate the inspiration and hope found in the message that belief and prayer enables those left behind are able to cope with their fears. Harriet Klausner