Hope Is My Anchor is a Christian historical novel inspired by the true story of my father — a boy who ran away from a violent home on the island of Crete at twelve, crossed oceans on a Merchant Marine ship, and built a new life in America with nothing but the clothes on his back. It’s a story about an immigrant father, a broken family, and the faith that held him steady.
Who this book is for
- Readers who love family sagas and coming-of-age stories, about a boy who runs away at twelve and grows into a man across oceans and decades
- Readers of Christian historical fiction about faith, forgiveness, and hope through life’s hardest seasons
- Fans of true-story historical fiction like Unbroken and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
- Anyone who grew up with a difficult family life, such as a parent who drank or a home touched by violence, and is looking for hope and healing
- Children of immigrants who want to better understand their parents’ story
- Book clubs looking for a story with plenty to talk about
What it’s about
Born into grinding poverty in a mountain village on the island of Crete, Manny grows up barefoot, hungry, and certain of one thing — he was not meant to stay. When his father’s violence finally pushes him past the point of no return, twelve-year-old Manny slips out in the night and talks his way onto a Merchant Marine ship bound for the open sea.
Working as a cargo hand and engine fixer, Manny earns the trust of a captain who becomes the father he never had. When his ship finally docks in Detroit, he makes a split-second decision — he jumps ship with nothing but the clothes on his back. What follows is a decades-long pursuit of the American dream, shadowed by a wife’s struggles, a mother slowly dying an ocean away, and siblings who betray the family in ways that cut to the bone.
And woven through every chapter is an unshakeable thread of faith: the belief that hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s an anchor.
The real story behind the book
In this short clip from my Legacy Stories interview, I share a little of my father’s story, the real story that inspired Hope Is My Anchor.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Quick facts
- Genre: Christian historical fiction, inspired by a true story
- Setting: The island of Crete, at sea, and Detroit, Michigan
- Time period: Begins in the early 1960s
- Length: 292 pages
- Series: Book One of The Hope Series (stands on its own)
- Bonus: Ends with a free chapter of A Light of Hope, Book Two
- Formats: Kindle, paperback, and hardcover Expanded Edition
- Content note: Mild language and non-graphic depictions of domestic violence and a parent’s alcoholism, handled with care. No sexual content.
What readers are saying
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars from 44 ratings on Amazon.
I’ve read a lot of books over my life span — nothing has made me consider what I have with this reading. What makes your family the way they are?… It has made me ask questions!
Amazon review
I had every emotion at some point in this book.… Knowing this is based on reality makes it much better.
Amazon review
In the end, he found out that God directed all these trials to bring him to the point of seeking God and putting Him first.… Indeed, Hope was his anchor.
Amazon review
For book clubs
Reading with a group? The Hope Is My Anchor Book Club and Study Guide includes discussion questions on faith, forgiveness, family, and the stories we inherit.
Questions readers ask
Is Hope Is My Anchor a true story?
Mostly, yes. It’s based on my dad’s real life — running away from his home on Crete at twelve, his years at sea, and building a new life in America. The major events really happened. I filled in conversations, changed a couple of details, and added some symbolism to bring out the faith at the heart of the story.
Do I need to read A Light of Hope first?
No. Hope Is My Anchor is Book One of The Hope Series, and each book stands on its own. A Light of Hope goes back in time to tell the story of the mother Manny left behind.
Is it a good fit for a church book club?
Many groups will find it a great fit. It includes mild language and non-graphic depictions of domestic violence and a parent’s alcoholism, handled with care, and there’s no sexual content. The Hope Is My Anchor Book Club and Study Guide is available.
Where can I buy Hope Is My Anchor?
On Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover. The hardcover is an Expanded Edition with family photos and new author reflections.
Continue the story
Then read A Light of Hope, Book Two — the story of Sapphira, the mother Manny left behind, inspired by my grandmother’s life.