Hope and Other Lost Things

by Morgan Park

After two decades of togetherness, Julia's world shatters when her wife, Marin, leaves her without a word. Left with only fractured memories and a love story with missing pieces, Julia is trapped in a hollow existence, clinging to the hope of Marin's return. It's not until an electrifying moment with a mysterious woman in a bar that a glimmer of Julia's old self rekindles.

When Kleinton High hires an outside company to evaluate her school, Julia never expects it to be Erin, the woman she almost took home the night before. With their undeniable connection between them–a familiarness in Erin’s touch, a magnetic pull neither can ignore–Julia is compelled to face her past.

Can she rediscover the hope she thought was lost forever, or will the hollowness of Marin’s absence overtake her completely? Will Erin be the exact home she always deserved, or will the past creep back in? Hope and Other Lost Things is an exploration of love and rediscovery in the face of heartbreak. Julia’s story is a tribute to the humanistic anguish we harbor inside ourselves, and how a little bit of hope can hold us together on the journey to where we need to be.

Genres: Femme Femme, Romance, Fiction

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 4, 2024

About the author

Morgan Park is a Library Media Specialist by day and author by night. She writes sapphic contemporary romance, and is looking forward to the novels slotted to publish soon!

She’s on a mission to fill the world with more heartfelt woman-loving-woman narratives. Her writing celebrates life's everyday triumphs, navigates through everyday heartaches, and cherishes the enduring tales of love. She lives in Upstate New York with the woman of her dreams and her fluffy fur-babies.

Books written by Morgan Park on Amazon: mybook.to/haolt

TikTok: @mparkauthor

Reviews

[Corporate Slave · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite tough for me to rate this one! I loved it, but was so frustrated! I loved the MCs but was also so annoyed at the same time! Very very conflicting feelings about this one! I did thoroughly enjoy it I was so hooked but still my god so annoyed :)
One thing I know, I am looking forward to reading this author again.
I’m giving it a 4.5 but can’t round it up to 5.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

High 3+

[bookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

[Kexx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Verbose, full of emotional angst which began to pull after 30%. Spoiler alert: why did Erin stay around? Shrug. Move on.

Holiday Read.

[Bren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting characters, fun premise, but a little too long-winded for me. I was more frustrated than intrigued by the MC's avoidance of happiness, especially when she'd already done the introspection necessary to reach for what made her happy. After running multiple times, admitting what she was doing, having others point out what she was doing, I just wanted the MC to get over herself and step out of the redundancy.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope and Other Lost Things by Morgan Park is a beautiful sapphic romance with the main character, Julia, navigating her workaholic life after her divorce from her partner of 20 years. A year after Marin left, Julia is still struggling to move on. But one night at a bar, she meets the young and beautiful Erin and things start to change. This is a story of healing and finding new love. There were so many moments that could be relatable to so many people and I feel like anyone could connect to at least one quote from this story. Morgan Park’s writing style is amazing and filled with so much detail- I wouldn’t change one thing about this story and how it was written. I was so lucky to be able to read an ARC copy of this book and I truly hope more people read this once it comes out. It was just such a beautiful and well-written story and I knew just from the first few chapters that it would be a 5-star read for me.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope and Other Lost Things is a powerful portrayal of the struggle that is life after a devastating heartbreak. When a person struggles to get up each day, put one foot in front of the other, and figure out how to fully live without the person they thought they would spend the rest of their life with. It’s raw, real, and captivating. Morgan Park’s ability to capture the essence of heartbreak as well as her attention to detail, insight, and wisdom kept me turning the pages. The fantastic writing paired with authenticity makes this a fantastic read!

Check out my full review at TheLesbianReview.com

[Women Using Words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales of love and passion have long captivated romance enthusiasts, but the allure of love stories containing leading ladies who have experienced a bad break up always seems to be a fan favorite amongst sapphic readers. And why wouldn’t it be? There is so much potential for emotional connection and character growth. These stories are highly effective in creating depth, tension and emotional resonance within the narrative. Hope and Other Lost Things by Morgan Park is one such example. And though this is her first novel, she scripts this heartfelt romance with real insight and compassion.

This story really strikes a chord with readers; there’s a depth to the main character’s personal growth that’s compelling and powerful. It’s one of the primary reasons Hope and Other Lost Things stands out. Park takes the opportunity to delve into the emotional upheaval life presents at times via heartache and divorce. By exploring the aftermath of Julia’s failed relationship, Park is able to create a complex, layered character, one that undergoes a transformative and compelling journey. Julia’s path toward healing is fraught with struggle and reflection, and it’s hard to watch at times. However, it allows readers to witness a resilience and growth that’s not only cheer worthy, but meaningful as well.

This is a slow dance to romance, but it doesn’t drag the reader down. It works because Park understands how to properly balance the tension and anticipation in her storytelling. Julia’s new relationship with Erin is definitely plagued with doubt and apprehension; her fears and insecurities create a measured tension that’s almost palpable at times. Yet, this all facilitates introspection within Julia. Her new relationship allows her to gain a deeper understanding of herself and love. As she contemplates committing herself to Erin, readers are kept on edge, fearing that history might repeat itself. This tension adds a layer of excitement and suspense, and readers are eager to see how it all plays out.

Final remarks…

Because Park is able to tap into the emotions behind a breakup—something that most people can unfortunately relate to—she is able to give readers a romance that resonates. She recognizes the pain, betrayal and loss associated with break ups and how this all affects new relationships. Her genuine portrayal of Julia and Erin’s romance is scripted with sincere honesty and tender insight. I’m glad I took a chance on it. I’ll be interested to see what Park writes next.

Strengths…

Relatable
Authentic
Well-balanced
Emotionally Resonating
Compelling

[Shantey · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
My heart was breaking just from the dedication. The feelings and emotions that came through these pages. Julia went through a lot of heartbreak when her wife left her. Often blaming herself or uncertain of the real reasons behind Marin leaving. In comes Erin who is quiet a bit younger than Julia and wants her. Through her healing journey, she finds love again.

The way that Morgan was able to express emotion in her writing is unmatched. I could feel all of the heartbreak within the main character as well as the budding emotions of new romance. It was truly beautiful and a wonderful first Sapphic romance for me.

**Note-One reason I was unable to complete this as quickly as I would have liked was due to the amount of alcohol Julia consumes and that it felt the only way she healed was through finding someone else. I am sober and cannot stand seeing someone numb to that capacity at this time in my life. It was very real and to that, it was a job well done. Just slightly triggering to where I am at this time.

[cloverxheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would.

The writing is amazing.
I really loved all the characters (except Marin).
My enjoyment did kinda die down in the last ~80 pages and I did not really like the way it ended.
I think it should have been a bit longer, or at least have a Epilogue to show how things worked out.
But overall I obviously still really enjoyed it.

Many people probably get frustrated by this book but I didn't really mind, at least for the first 300 pages.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ wow! I absolutely loved this book. Julia is a great FMC and has been through a lot. Keegan is her best friend and they’re great together. I loved Erin with Julia.

[Romy]

This book is a stunning and stark look at the addictive toxicity of hope when love walks out the door, and how hard it is to recognize something healthy walking in. Erin is who we all want never giving up on us as we heal! This book is a love story in so many different ways. It forgives a shattered heart. It is an ode to grief and letting go. It recognizes the grey area of all life after love. An absolutely lovely debut novel!

[Megan Russ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing read. This wonderful sapphic novel, follows a woman picking her life up after her wife leaves her.

As a divorcee this resonated with me. The struggle with moving on, the guilt of those memories. This is not a topic often discussed in novels. That period of healing and grieving the loss of the person you thought you had a life with, is usually glossed over for the instant recovery and moving on. This is usually not the case. Often it is years of torture to put your life back together even if you had a place in breaking it.

I appreciate the depth of this story, and the pacing. I hope to read more from Morgan in the future.

[Kate Charlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Enjoyable Read

I did like this book a lot and the characters were well developed, relatable and I’d love to see a follow up to follow their story.
I did find Erin’s age a little odd, given her maturity and work place experience. 25 seemed very jarring and too young for the character that was portrayed. Maybe 30-35 would have been a better fit. Also, I’m assuming the writer is younger than 40 because we really don’t have serious wrinkles and jowls by this age (definitely got the silver hair though!)
There were a few editing errors missed in a couple of places (word repetition where it shouldn’t have been, and an entire sentence didn’t make sense at all at one point) but the writing was superb.
A fantastic debut novel.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story of second chance love, Julia doesn't think she will ever mend her broken heart....along comes Erin, young, beautiful, successful....and she wants Julia.
Beautifully written, defo a must read 📚

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so invested in the plot of this story that I couldn’t put the book down. The writing is so good, made me feel like I was living vicariously through Julia. The story is Julia’s POV and we follow her healing journey after a 15-year-old marriage ends in a painful divorce.

Julia goes back and forth between memories and experiences of her past with her ex-wife, and her present relationship with Erin, a 25-year-old accomplished academic. Erin is evaluating the school in which Julia is a superintendent for the next four months. Together they have a tug-and-pull dynamic with Julia falling in love with Erin but she struggles to let go of her past.

Erin is very patient and caring but also stands her ground with Julia who needs a push to stop being so hot and cold and take a risk on newfound love.

I feel that Julia and Erin deserved more intimacy as a couple once they took the next step. Though the ending is endearing, I would’ve loved an additional chapter that goes into detail about some unanswered questions, like Erin learning about Marin, and how Julia and Erin moved forward in their new relationship.

[JeanQueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving

I was extremely moved by this book. It hit home because of something similar I am going through. The lyrical nature of the writing captivates the reader right away. It is a raw nuanced look at love dissipated and decimated by time. The analysis of love and marriage is unmatched in nature in this writing. As the reader, I felt great empathy for the protagonist. My only issues are two small things that I would like to point out. The first is that there was a great deal of self talk dialogue that preceded conversation between characters and after a while this was trying for the reader. The second is infinitesimal because it really didn’t matter but there was no real love scene to be had. the only almost love seen was between the MC and her soon to be ex wife. It did feel like a bit of a cheat, but I was torn because it made sense given the nature of everything. I would still would have liked to have seen a love between the two main MCs. All told, this was quite a read and I will not soon forget it.

[Queen 💋 · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first read of 2026!

I was so excited to read this by sadly this was my first read by this author where I was disappointed.

First there are so many spelling errors throughout the book that bothered me. 2. the main character was so winy like I understand your wife left you but you misleading the women you had a one night fling with who ends up being a love interest is not right I felt very bad how Julie kept playing mind games with Erin!

This whole storyline had no excitement just boring by the whole poor me victim card like Julie states she’s moved on from her ex (Marin) but clearly you will see in the book she kept having second thoughts especially when Marin shows up during a field trip unexpectedly

I believe Erin deserved better and should have ended with someone better than Julie

[Sandi D · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!!

I could not put this book down. It started a little slow and I thought about just moving to another book. I am so glad I didn’t.

The story was amazing, characters well written, you cried, laughed, were heartbroken when you thought Jules lost her chance.

Will definitely put this book on my read again list. There was so much to identify with, words of wisdom we should all hear and take to heart.

This is apparently the author’s first book a home run in my opinion. I can’t wait for more obviously I’m following Morgan.

[Gina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Sapphic Romance Debut !

This is a debut novel from Morgan Park. I loved how the writer took someone who was so broken and brought them to the brink of choices (albeit a little slowly) I loved the characters and the story layout. There were a couple of interesting moments that could make a reader feel good and more that could questioned why. I think this book would have benefited from an epilogue. To cheer for Julia a whole book to FINALLY shake her ex off and get the girl, Erin, would have made this a different experience and a more positive review.

[Kelsey H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't what I expected but I enjoyed it very much. I really felt that I was on this jorney of grief with Julia and working through becoming her own person again.The writing style was amazing and so very descriptive. I did find that the ending was disappointing, and it left you wanting more, right when you felt like FINALLY, it was over. I felt that the author kind of gave up right when you got what you have been waiting for. It would have been nice to have another several chapters, epilogue, or a sequel.

[Leonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
It’s a really well written book, very poetic even.
I hard a hard time getting into the story and fully understanding Julia’s situation and feelings but once I was fully into the story, I couldn’t stop reading.

I loved to see the Julia’s journey to finding and figuring herself out again after her wife Marin left. I loved to see all the ups and downs her journey took and I think the way Erin contributed to it was soo well done too! Besides that, the side characters, especially Keegan, are soo essential to the story and soo well written too!!!

I really recommend the book ♡

[Aly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one really bothered me, the main character got on my nerves SO badly by the end of the book I was skipping paragraphs because it was the same thing over and over. I wish the character would have developed somewhere in the middle of the book at least. This book also has a lot of narration, if you’re looking for banter and good dialogue this isn’t it. The plot is really good but goodness the main character was absolutely the drama.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dithery

Like the headline says, the books is just… dithery. It could have been more interesting, but the author failed to bring things together. Long lines of purple prose, weird motivations for character actions, and overall, just uninteresting main characters whose relationship is ‘predestined’ but completely lacking in chemistry.

It’s a book. It’s ok to read. I doubt it’s one I would read a second time though.

[Daniel Reynoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the first sapphic romances I’ve ever read… and I absolutely loved it. The author has such a descriptive writing that isn’t unnecessary, it allowed me to understand the characters feelings exactly. This is such a sad, yet beautiful story and was hooked from the very beginning! Once I get my physical copy i’m going to be doing a reread!

[Evie Cahanin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of second chances and rediscovery of one's self. A contemporary sapphic romance filled with so much emotion. I cried, I kicked my feet giggling. I empathized and related. Julia and Erin's story is one worth reading as you follow Julia's broken hearted journey after her partner of 20 years leaves her.

[Kristen Wildeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was great! But it was hard to get through the many descriptive tellings for the one certain thing happening in Julia’s life at that time. I don’t need to know in five different ways, in one sentence/paragraph, how she felt walking into her house (for example).
Otherwise, it was a decent debut for this author. Looking forward to other future books by her!

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a romantic, sad and a bit frustrating read. After all the situations, it' crazy how Erin has so much patience and understanding. Julia's such a romantic, even trauma can't stop her from loving so deeply. Overall, this was an emotional ride 😢

[Nat E · Rating 3 out of 5]

The math didn’t make sense to me. Julia is 39 about to turn 40 but she was with Marin for 20 years. So they met at 19? But Julia kept saying they met in their early twenties. It just threw me off. The story was just okay for me. The best friend was annoying.

[hubsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started off quite good, a whole lot of introspection by the MC Julia that got somewhat tedious. Good build up chemistry between the main couple. But it fell apart, got messy, Julia was incredibly frustrating, plot lines thrown in with no real reason, then ended so abruptly that I felt cheated.