Joshua's Hope

The car picked up speed and Hope braked. Instead of slowing, the accelerator notched up. Her knuckles turned white from their tight grip.

She tromped on the brake. The pedal touched the floor.

Frantic now, her heart threatened to break free of her chest.

She shifted into low gear. The car jerked and slowed. Could she make it around the curve? The jagged mountain hugged the opposite side of the road, but on the passenger side, a steep drop-off fell hundreds of yards to a thicket of trees.

Her chest constricted against her thumping heart.

“Mommy?”

Joshua's voice, so innocent and trusting, increased her fear.

She shifted again, moved the car into the lowest gear, and steered toward the center stripe to avoid the drop-off. Please, God, don't let me meet another car .

“Mommy!”

The tires squealed as she rounded the curve.

• EPPIE Award nominee

Inspirational romance writer, Carol Ann Erhardt, touches the hearts and emotions of her readers. Fans categorize her books as emotional, suspenseful and inspirational.

She gives the glory to God. Carol Ann lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and three cats. She divides her time between volunteering at her church, being a caregiver for her hubby, caring for twelve feral cats, enjoying time with her eight children and their families, and writing. She is the newsletter editor for Central Ohio Fiction Writers, and a member of Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death, and American Christian Fiction Writers. Learn more about Carol Ann by visiting her website at www.CarolAnnErhardt.com.