This is book 2 in the "Ribbons of Steel" series. In the First book, "Distant Dreams" Carolina Adams is introduced as a young woman who led a pampered life at her family's plantation outside Falls Church, Virginia. Her father, Joseph Adams, hires a tutor for her, James Baldwin, and they fall in love with each other. However, James is committed to marrying Virginia, Carolina's older sister. When James breaks the engagement and leaves, Carolina's father tells her of the hope that can be had through Jesus.

This story starts with Carolina was choosing Christmas gifts from the "American Railroad Journal." a gift from James Baldwin. One of the ladies hats advertised might make a good gift for Virginia. The death of their baby sister, Maryland, had put a damper on holiday spirit, and Virginia had barely spoken civilly to her since her engagement had been dissolved. Margaret Adams, their mother, was calling for her baby again! Carolina went to see if she could help. Maryland's death was hard on everyone, but especially her mother! Penny, another daughter, was still ill from the Yellow Fever. Virginia told everyone that she had broken the engagement with James to stay with her mother after the baby's death. Everyone respected her for putting the family ahead of her own interests. Penny asked for a story about the railroad that was going to cross America. Carolina explained the difficulty in doing this. Penny fell asleep, but Carolina considered her weakened condition. The doctor didn't expect her to live much longer, so Carolina prayed for Penny's life.

This is book two, in this historical series, set in the 1830s. To fully appreciate this story I feel you should read book one, "Distant Dreams" first. I did appreciate how they put a chapter called "What Has Gone Before" at the beginning to give folks a short synopsis of what book one was all about.

Carolina Adams is the main character in the story. She has always had a desire and strong interest in learning, especially when it comes to the westward expansion with the railroad. Caroline has fallen in love with her tutor, James Baldwin, who was betrothed to her older sister. When James realizes his mistake and his love for Carolina, he cancels the wedding plans and leaves town, immersing himself in his work with the B&O Railroad. Carolina is heartbroken by the situation at her home and will eventually end up becoming a nanny to a young child whose mother has died and whose father wants nothing to do with her.

I was never entirely sure how the whole situation between Carolina, young Victoria and her father was all going to work out, and if Carolina and James would ever get together and acknowledge their true feelings for each other. I will let you read the book to find out the answers to both those questions. There is a lot more going on in this story though and it keeps your attention all the way through. Looking forward to reading the last book in this series, "A Promise for Tomorrow" next. If you like historical fiction then I would say this is a series you will really enjoy. ( )

Second book in the Ribbons of Steel historical fiction series highlighting both the expansion of railroads to the near west in the early 1800s and the developing issues surrounding slavery in the south. The Adams family, protagonists in the story, are plantation owners, and middle daughter Carolina is the main character highlighted throughout the three book series. I'm rating the series as a whole because it is difficult to read the first book without wanting to find out what happens to Carolina and her siblings and parents. As with other series by these two authors there are definite villains in this series who are either redeemed or receive their comeuppance before the series ends. I enjoyed it, but one must like historical fiction in order to truly like these books. ( )

Hope Beyond is book 2 in the Ribbons of Steel series. This book primarily focuses on Carolina as she becomes an adult and steps beyond the life she has known on the plantation. As with book 1, this book has incredible historical detail and well developed characters. I was easily able to imagine them as though they were sitting in my living room. A little faster read than book 1, this one will leave you wanting to read more. ( )