Good Clean Reads

  • Book Reviews
  • Short Stories
  • Poems
  • About Me

Hope, An Original Short Story – Part Two

Short Stories

30 Sep

This story was originally posted on Kennahartian.com.

If you haven’t read part one, click here.

Carton felt a growing unease as he hurried back to his house. By signing that paper, he had made things worse for the commoners of France. The shadows grew as did his anxiety. By the time he reached the little church that was a half mile from his house, he was shaking so bad he could hardly walk. The fact that he hadn’t eaten anything all day didn’t help either. Carton turned into the church before his legs had the chance to give out entirely, and sank onto one of the pews with his head in his hands.

*

When Carton awoke, he had no clue where he was. All he remembered was falling asleep in a church, but what he was lying on didn’t feel like the hard wooden pew. He started opening his eyes, but they shot open faster when he saw the person leaning over him.

“I was forced! I didn’t want to! Please, don’t hurt me!” The person smiled warmly.

“Calm down. No one is going to hurt you. I brought you here to my home, because you were lying in my church and looked ill. My name is Pastor Dimitri.” Pastor Dimitri looked at him quizzically. “What happened that has you in such a state? You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” Carton sat up, a little embarrassed and confused.

“I’m so sorry, Pastor. I didn’t mean to shout. My name is Charles Carton. Its just-” He rubbed his face with his hands. The pastor sat next to him, and Carton continued, his whole story pouring out. “I’m sorry, Pastor. I didn’t mean to ramble.”

“I understand. You needed to talk. You have a lot you’re carrying around.”

“Carrying around?”

“Yes. You are worried about Eléonore, and your job, among other things. That’s what I mean by baggage. Perhaps burden would be a better way to put it.” Carton nodded.

“Oh, I’m not sure how to get rid of it, Pastor.”

“Well, Jesus says ‘Come to me you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.’ So, all you have to do is come to Jesus and He will take it.”

“He said that? I don’t know much about Him.”

“Would you like to learn?” For the first time since he was younger Carton wanted to know more about God. He nodded.

“I will teach you.” Dimitri got his worn Bible off his shelf and put it on his bed, then walked over to the kitchen (which was the other side of the one room house) and grabbed a bowl of soup for himself and Carton.

“Eat this.” Dimitri handed a bowl to Carton.

“Oh. Well, I’m not hungry…”

“Yes you are. Eat it.” Then sensing why  Carton was refusing, he said, “God will provide. He always does.” When Carton finally started eating, Dimitri opened the Bible. “Okay, lets start in the gospel of John…”

*

By the time Dimitri had finished talking to Carton about the Scriptures, it was growing dark out. Carton, noticing this, realized he hadn’t been home since he left for the meeting yesterday. Suddenly he was worried about Eléonore again.

“Thank you, Pastor.” He said standing up. “You mean all I have to do is surrender myself to Jesus?” Dimitri nodded.

“Yes. Of course, that does’t mean the consequences of signing the paper won’t come.”

“I know. I’ll think about it. I have to get home. I haven’t been there since yesterday morning.”

Related

Leave a Comment

Previous Post: « The Quest for Truth Series Book Review
Next Post: The Candy Makers Book Review! »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

good.clean.reads

Kenna Rose
Susanna's Midnight Ride is a unique story covering Susanna's Midnight Ride is a unique story covering a little known revolutionary war hero. It definitely made me curious about Susanna Bolling and the part she played in the Revolutionary War. 
The story discusses the war in a very real way, and doesn't shy away from many of the hardships endured by those waiting at home (and a few from those away fighting).
Though there are definitely some minor content concerns in the story to be aware of, it's an interesting story about Susanna Bolling and her heroic ride to warn Lafayette about a kidnapping plot.
https://goodcleanreads.com/susannas-midnight-ride-book-review/
#historicalfiction #fiction #goodcleanreads #books #stories #book #susannasmidnightride #libbycartymcnamee #historical #history #revolutionarywar #read #reading #reader #story #littleknownhistory #historicalspyfiction #spyfiction #spy #spystory #americanfiction #Americanhistory #kidsfiction #childrenfiction #actionandadventurebook #actionbook #adventurebook
Normally I only posted photos of the books I revie Normally I only posted photos of the books I review, but I figured I'd share this video from my other job (@kennarose_official) that kind of explains why I care about good clean reads so much. It's part 1 of a multiple part series talking about how entertainment is influential. Check it out, and let me know what you think! 
Also, I promise there will be new reviews soon! I have just been incredibly busy. 🙃
#entertainment #influential #books #reading #read #movies #music #book #speaker
The Sinking City(by @christinecohen_author ) is on The Sinking City(by @christinecohen_author ) is one of the most solid books I have read, meaning that the world between the covers seems like it could very well be an alternate reality: Venice, Italy kept afloat by spells.
The quality of the writing is superb, and you end up rooting for, and caring for, the characters. 
But it is indeed a "fairytale with teeth" as the author said. 
And I think that's part of what made it so real. 
Read The rest of my review for The Sinking City at goodcleanreads.com/the-sinking-city-book-review/
#read #reading #book #bookstagram #bookreview #thesinkingcity @canonpress #stories #fairytales #fairytale #darkfairytale #ya #yafiction #youngadult #youngadultbooks #youngadultfiction #historicalfiction #historicalfantasyfiction #fantasyfiction
I have heard nothing but good things about The Won I have heard nothing but good things about The Wonderland Trials by @saraellawrites so I was incredibly excited to discover that @faithandfictionbookbox  was doing a box for it! 
Link in bio!
.
.
.
.
#bookstagram #books #bookworm #thewonderlandtrials #yafiction #cleanyafiction #bookbox #bookstagrammer #enclavepublishing
The third book in the series, and the first book w The third book in the series, and the first book with the series header "the Epic Order of the Seven," The Prophet, the Shepherd and the Star covers from Isaiah all the way to Christ's birth. 
Check out my review! goodcleanreads.com/the-epic-order-of-the-seven-series-by-jenny-l-cote-review---part-1/
@jennyl.cote  #read #reading #books #bookreview #cleanbooks #goodcleanreads #bookreviews #theepicorderoftheseven #childrensbooks #adventurebooks #biblicalfiction #Christianbooks #Christianstories #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz  #bookstagram #isaiah #Christmas #theprophettheshepherdandthestar #Isaiah #daniel #thelionsden #timelesstruths
The second and final book in the Amazing Tales of The second and final book in the Amazing Tales of Max and Liz is the Dreamer, the Schemer, and the Robe. Max, Liz, Kate and Al are given a mission to help Joseph. Full of Biblical truth, humor and adventure, the Dreamer, the Schemer and the Robe is a great read. 
Check out my review! goodcleanreads.com/the-epic-order-of-the-seven-series-by-jenny-l-cote-review---part-1/
@jennyl.cote  #read #reading #books #bookreview #cleanbooks #goodcleanreads #bookreviews #theepicorderoftheseven #childrensbooks #adventurebooks #biblicalfiction #Christianbooks #Christianstories #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz  #bookstagram #thedreamertheschemerandtherobe #joseph #MaxandLiz #thecoatofmanycolors #ancientegypt #egypt #Biblicaltruth
The first book in the Amazing Tales of Max and Liz The first book in the Amazing Tales of Max and Liz is the Ark, the Reed, and the Fire Cloud. It's a fictionalized account of Noah's Ark from the animals point of view. It's a fun, humorous, deep adventure. 
Check out my review! goodcleanreads.com/the-epic-order-of-the-seven-series-by-jenny-l-cote-review---part-1/
@jennyl.cote #read #reading #books #bookreview #cleanbooks #goodcleanreads #bookreviews #theepicorderoftheseven #childrensbooks #adventurebooks #biblicalfiction #Christianbooks #Christianstories #noahsark #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz #thearkthereedandthefirecloud #bookstagram
My newest review is up, and you better believe it' My newest review is up, and you better believe it's Epic! Comprised of eight (soon to be nine) books, the Amazing Tales of Max and Liz and the Epic Order of the Seven series (written by @jennyl.cote)are definitely worthwhile reads.
Check it out: goodcleanreads.com/the-epic-order-of-the-seven-series-by-jenny-l-cote-review---part-1/
@jennyl.cote #read #reading #books #bookreview #cleanbooks #goodcleanreads #bookreviews #theepicorderoftheseven #childrensbooks #adventurebooks #biblicalfiction #Christianbooks #Christianstories #noahsark #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz #thearkthereedandthefirecloud #bookstagram
I would say “guess which book I’m reviewing,” buuuut, I stuck the name all over the video. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Oh well. Excited to release this review! 
#bookstagram #bookreview #epicorderoftheseven #amazingtalesofmaxandliz  #theepicorderoftheseven #theamazingtalesofmaxandliz #biblicalfiction #bookworm #books
Pride and Prejudice! I never thought I would love Pride and Prejudice! I never thought I would love the book the first time I read it - now, I've read it multiple times. 
Check out my review:
https://goodcleanreads.com/pride-and-prejudice-book-review
#prideandprejudice #janeausten #bookreview #books #goodcleanreads #cleanbooks #classics #classicbookreview #read #reader #bookstagram #romancenovel #romance #romancebooks #MrDarcy #ElizabethBennet #historicalfictionbookreview #historicalfiction #regencyfiction #bookreviews #book #reading #lovebooks #historicalbooks #historicalnovel
Happy Easter! He is risen! I'm grateful to my Lor Happy Easter! He is risen!
I'm grateful to my Lord for rescuing me. 
Matthew 28:6a "He is not here; he has risen" 
Romans 5:6-8 "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. " 
I've not reviewed these books, but I've read several of Patricia St. John's books. She beautifully illustrates what happens when Christ comes into brokenness. 
#Happyeaster #Heisrisen #books #bookstagram #goodcleanreads #Easter #saved #brokenintobeautiful #Rainbowgarden #thesecretatpleasentcottage #patriciastjohn #matthew28 #romans5
It's Good Friday! I'm thankful to my Lord and Savi It's Good Friday! I'm thankful to my Lord and Savior Christ. 
"But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,  and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
 yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth."
Isaiah 53:5-7
I've not reviewed this book, but it seemed fitting for Good Friday. It was the book that brought me closest to crying as any book I've read. It shows how the gospel changes and shapes lives through the tragic yet beautiful story of a young girl named Mary and her basket of flowers. 
#TheBasketofFlowers #ABasketofFlowers #books #reading #goodcleanreads #Lamplighterbooks #flowers #goodfriday #Isaiah53
This next review is for Romanov, a historical fant This next review is for Romanov, a historical fantasy-fiction by @nadinebrandes It’s an epic (and heartwarming) retelling of Anastasia Romanov’s story with a fun, magical twist! 
Check out my review: goodcleanreads.com/romanov-book-review/
#romanovbook #romanov #bookstagram #books #literature #historicalfiction #fantasyfiction #historicalfantasy #historicalfantasyfiction #bookreview #read #reading #bookrecommendations #booklover #bookreviews #goodcleanreads
This week's review is for The Secret Keepers, writ This week's review is for The Secret Keepers, written by Trenton Lee Stewart.
It's a delightful story about a boy who finds himself
embroiled in a centuries old mystery, and with the help
of his friends, must finally put to rest a secret that's
been haunting the world for centuries.
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/the-secret-keepers-book-review/
#books #reading #read #book #thesecretkeepers #trentonleestewart #bookstagram #mysterybooks #mystery #actionbook #actionandadventurebooks #adventurebook #actionandadventurebook #childrensbook #middlegradenovel #trentonleestewart
One of the most loved Christmas books of all time, One of the most loved Christmas books of all time, Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol is the definition of a classic. 
Check out my review of this beloved classic:  https://goodcleanreads.com/a-christmas-carol-book-review/
#reading #read #bookreview #goodcleanreads  #author #book #books #middlegradebooks #bookreviews #cleanreads #goodcleanbooks #cleanbooks #Christmasstories #Christmas #Christmasbooks #AChristmascarol #charlesdickens #Charlesdickensachristmascarol #holidaystories #Christmascelebration
The third book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is The third book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is Once Upon the End! 
This trilogy was hilarious - both me and my little brother thoroughly enjoyed it. 
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/half-upon-a-time-trilogy-book-review
 #reading #read #bookreview #goodcleanreads #middlegradeseries #jack #twistedfairytales #onceupontheend  #jamesriley #bookstagram #author #book #books #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #fairytales #fantasy #bookreviews #cleanreads #goodcleanbooks #cleanbooks #middlegradebookreviews @jamesrileyauthor
The second book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is The second book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is Twice Upon a Time! 
The biggest content concerns in this series are the attitudes of the characters and God's name being taken in vain (happens three times in book 1 and that's all). 
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/half-upon-a-time-trilogy-book-review
@jamesrileyauthor #reading #read #bookreview #goodcleanreads #middlegradeseries #jack #twistedfairytales #twiceuponatime #jamesriley #bookstagram #author #book #books #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #fairytales #fantasy #bookreviews #cleanreads #goodcleanbooks #cleanbooks #middlegradebookreviews
The first book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is The first book in the Half Upon a Time trilogy is Half Upon a Time! 
This series is set in a world of twisted fairytales - it was fun to read and recognize different fairy tales!
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/half-upon-a-time-trilogy-book-review
@jamesrileyauthor #books #book #reading #read #bookstagram #bookreview #bookreviews #fantasybook #fantasytrilogy #middlegradetrilogy #middlegradeseries #middlegradebook #halfuponatime #jamesriley #philip #onceupontheend #twiceuponatime #goodcleanreads #cleanbookreview #cleanbooks.
This week's review is for the Half Upon a Time Tri This week's review is for the Half Upon a Time Trilogy, written by @jamesrileyauthor!
I enjoyed this series. It isn't written from a Christian worldview, but it's cleaner than most middle-grade series. And it's hilarious. James Riley is a hilarious author! 
Check out my review:
goodcleanreads.com/half-upon-a-time-trilogy-book-review
#reading #read #author #bookstagram #bookreview #cleanbooks #cleanbookreview #goodcleanbooks #halfuponatime #twiceuponatime #onceupontheend #bookreviews #cleanbook #fantasybook #middlegradebook #jamesriley #fantasy
Books 7 - 10 in the Nancy Drew series are The Clu Books 7 - 10 in the Nancy Drew 
series are The Clue in the Diary, Nancy's Mysterious Letter, The Sign of the Twisted Candle, and Password to Larkspur Lane. 
Fun fact - the Nancy Drew books are a series, but one book doesn't necessarily connect to the other. You could read book 36 before reading books 1-35.
Check out my review for books 1 - 10 in this classic
series:
goodcleanreads.com/nancy-drew-series-review-books-1-100
#nancydrew #mystery #mysterynovel #bookreview
#author #bookstagram #Nancydrewmystery
#mysterybook #mysterybookreview
#thesecretoftheoldclock #thehiddenstaircase
#thebungalowmystery #themysteryatlilacinn
#thesecretofshadowranch #thesecretofredgatefarm
#theclueinthediary #nancysmysteriousletter
#thesignofthetwistedcandle #passwordtolarkspurlane
#childrensbook #classicmysterybook #classicbooks
#mysterybooks #kidsbooks #girlsbooks #girlbooks
#girlmysteries
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Refined Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in