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kimmie1405's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Hope House is located just off the cliff walk in Howth. Far enough away that strangers don’t wander upon the house in search of the trail. Close enough to the stunning Howth scenery.
Rattling around in the old ramshackle house on her own, Tessa realises with a start that she is becoming a burden on her family. Especially after a fall that has led to the use of walking stick while healing.
She decides to take action and put an advert in the local community centre for a lodger. Not in the normal sense, she’s willing to let them stay with her rent free in return for some light chores and house work.
Chloe and Conn both respond to the advert. Each for their very own reasons. During the course of the story the three make the unlikeliest of bonds.
I loved this story. There were so many layers and unique parts to the story. I loved the community centre aspect and the fact that a group was brought together for common interest trying to save it. I also enjoyed getting to know both lodgers and their enigmatic host Tessa.
After reading a piece by the author I know that Hope House is fictional of course but based very much on her Granny’s house in the midlands and picked up and brought to the cliff side in Howth. I can imagine exactly where I would find it should I go looking!
Congratulations and Happy Publication day to all involved on a wonderful book. An excellent story with so many different topics handled and wrapped up nicely within the covers. I have no doubt this will do well.
carmen_jimenezv's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.5
catrionam's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
sadhbhdunne's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thesapphiccelticbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Grief
Moderate: Medical content
r13_reads's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I picked up this book on a whim, and I’m so glad I did. It made me both laugh and cry, and it was full of wonderful characters you could really fall in love with.
The mystery element underpinning the story was also very well done. I can’t say more without giving a spoiler, but a difficult topic was handled with grace and empathy.
The mystery element underpinning the story was also very well done. I can’t say more without giving a spoiler, but a difficult topic was handled with grace and empathy.
darkereader44's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lhodgson26's review
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was a really heartwarming and cute book set against the backdrop of Ireland. Conn, Chloe and Tessa all had there own back stories and important issues they were trying to overcome but they all came together and became great friends whilst helping to change the lives of others and fighting to keep the community centre open. Even though it was all a bit predictable it felt like a really cosy read and it was nice to like all of the characters and have the sense of community which reminded me of the Lido. Tessa was a great character who used the disappearance of her daughter to help drive her on and Conn used the tragic suicide of his brother to try prevent others doing the same even if he had to put his life on hold. Chloe finally got out of her controlling mother and started to thrive and be able to enjoy her life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt
stephbrady74's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0