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Hope #1
A Cry for Hope
Hope McAdams life as she knew it ended on the same day that her eight year old son’s did.
Eight months later she's trying to regain some semblance of normality, while trying to repair her once perfect marriage to a man who was her best friend, but now a complete stranger. Coming to the painful realization that she must fix the hole that’s deep within her heart, she goes home to the place that she grew up in hopes that time and distance will heal her wounds and lead her back to the man she loves.
Nick Abate is an old friend of Hope’s whose heart is also on the mend. He’s home on leave from the Marines, and when he and Hope reconnect, their friendship picks up right where they left off, years ago. They both begin to heal and feel whole again with the help of each other. But when their friendship crosses the line, will Hope be able to forgive herself and move on, or will the guilt that she is harboring once again cause her to slip back into the place that she has just escaped?
What happens when two tortured souls place their trust in each other? Will they find their way back to the ones they love or will their hearts remain connected forever?
*Book one of a two part series (can be read as a stand alone)
Eight months later she's trying to regain some semblance of normality, while trying to repair her once perfect marriage to a man who was her best friend, but now a complete stranger. Coming to the painful realization that she must fix the hole that’s deep within her heart, she goes home to the place that she grew up in hopes that time and distance will heal her wounds and lead her back to the man she loves.
Nick Abate is an old friend of Hope’s whose heart is also on the mend. He’s home on leave from the Marines, and when he and Hope reconnect, their friendship picks up right where they left off, years ago. They both begin to heal and feel whole again with the help of each other. But when their friendship crosses the line, will Hope be able to forgive herself and move on, or will the guilt that she is harboring once again cause her to slip back into the place that she has just escaped?
What happens when two tortured souls place their trust in each other? Will they find their way back to the ones they love or will their hearts remain connected forever?
*Book one of a two part series (can be read as a stand alone)
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
42 people are currently reading
1402 people want to read
About the author
Beth Rinyu
23 books578 followersEver since I can remember, I've always had a passion for Creative Writing. There's something special about being able to travel to a different place or become a different person with just the stroke of a pen--or in today's world a touch of the keyboard. Maybe it all started with the soap opera-level drama I used to script for my Barbie dolls. Plot twists, emotional arcs, surprise twins—it was basically a writer’s room before I even knew what one was. Whatever the spark, storytelling quickly became my favorite way to explore, create, and shake up reality just a little. I love stories that keep me on my toes. The kind that push me outside my comfort zone and introduce me to characters I either want to be friends with... or dramatically argue with in a fictional diner.
I love traveling to scout out new and exciting settings for my books—but nothing beats a peaceful walk in the woods or a seat by the ocean close to home. Turns out, plot twists and inspiration show up just fine with a sea breeze and squirrels.
I love traveling to scout out new and exciting settings for my books—but nothing beats a peaceful walk in the woods or a seat by the ocean close to home. Turns out, plot twists and inspiration show up just fine with a sea breeze and squirrels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 10, 2014
WARNING.....DO NOT READ THIS WITHOUT A BOX OF KLEENEX NEARBY.....WARNING
WARNING.....DO NOT MEET A DATE FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER READING - UGLY TEARS.....WARNING
WARNING.....DO NOT WATCH Beaches AND READ THIS AT THE SAME TIME......WARNING
WARNING.....THIS BOOK WILL TEAR YOUR HEART OUT......WARNING
Book – A Cry for Hope
Author – Beth Rinyu
Publication Date – March 12, 2014
Type – Stand Alone/Part of Series
Genre – Romance
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I originally rated this book a 4 Stars….but after a few days of having the story seep into my soul – I started to realize so many life lessons and philosophical questions that had/have me continue to ponder this story over and over again.
Is it easier to forgive ourselves or to forgive others? Is it easier to blame yourself or someone else? What happens when everything you loved and made you happy is violently torn from your life? Is it easier to lose someone quickly or lose them over time?
How do you cope with watching your little son die before your eyes? How do you cope with a husband who blames you for his death and can’t even look you in the eyes anymore? How do you survive after finding your husband with another woman? How do you deal knowing you will never be able to have another child with your husband? Can you forgive yourself for turning away for a split second?
Will you ever be able to think of your loving deceased son without going into a state of depression? Will you ever be able to remember the happy times and laugh again? Or maybe even be able to smile?
And please don’t even get me started on Nick ---- because I will just start all over again with the sobbing. How many days has it been since I finished this book? 3 DAYS…..3 DAYS and I’m still tearing up when I think of this story.
Adjectives to describe it? Beautiful, Gut wrenching, Emotional, Hatred, Angry, Sadness, Stupidity, Selfishness, Clueless, Heart breaking, Soul shattering and finally the most important one….FORGIVENESS
Ms Rinyu, I can’t think of any words to express my love of this book – you moved me – you brought me to my knees. This book will forever be implanted in my heart and head.
Haha…I loved this book and I hated this book – I hated some of the decisions Hope made – I hated her husband (selfish prick) – and I hated the silence from Nick. I want to tell you all what this book is about but I know I can’t without spoiling it ----- yeah the book is slow in some parts – but please keep reading – give the story a chance – no matter how pissed off at Hope you get for being a “doormat” to her husband – she learns – she grows – and most important she forgives herself.
This is a journey of a woman who has had her life ripped apart and slowly she realizes she must put aside everything else that is dragging her down in order to heal. She goes home to her mothers and meets up with Nick, her best childhood friend – both of them need to learn how to let go of the past and move on. They use each other and help each other to learn to live and love again.
I have to stop here…cause I’m starting to tear up…..it’s not a HEA that you think it is – this will definitely throw you for a loop….you may be pissed or you will close this book completely happy and satisfied.
WARNING.....DO NOT MEET A DATE FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER READING - UGLY TEARS.....WARNING
WARNING.....DO NOT WATCH Beaches AND READ THIS AT THE SAME TIME......WARNING
WARNING.....THIS BOOK WILL TEAR YOUR HEART OUT......WARNING
Book – A Cry for Hope
Author – Beth Rinyu
Publication Date – March 12, 2014
Type – Stand Alone/Part of Series
Genre – Romance
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary Copy provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Review
I originally rated this book a 4 Stars….but after a few days of having the story seep into my soul – I started to realize so many life lessons and philosophical questions that had/have me continue to ponder this story over and over again.
Is it easier to forgive ourselves or to forgive others? Is it easier to blame yourself or someone else? What happens when everything you loved and made you happy is violently torn from your life? Is it easier to lose someone quickly or lose them over time?
How do you cope with watching your little son die before your eyes? How do you cope with a husband who blames you for his death and can’t even look you in the eyes anymore? How do you survive after finding your husband with another woman? How do you deal knowing you will never be able to have another child with your husband? Can you forgive yourself for turning away for a split second?
Will you ever be able to think of your loving deceased son without going into a state of depression? Will you ever be able to remember the happy times and laugh again? Or maybe even be able to smile?
And please don’t even get me started on Nick ---- because I will just start all over again with the sobbing. How many days has it been since I finished this book? 3 DAYS…..3 DAYS and I’m still tearing up when I think of this story.
Adjectives to describe it? Beautiful, Gut wrenching, Emotional, Hatred, Angry, Sadness, Stupidity, Selfishness, Clueless, Heart breaking, Soul shattering and finally the most important one….FORGIVENESS
Ms Rinyu, I can’t think of any words to express my love of this book – you moved me – you brought me to my knees. This book will forever be implanted in my heart and head.
Haha…I loved this book and I hated this book – I hated some of the decisions Hope made – I hated her husband (selfish prick) – and I hated the silence from Nick. I want to tell you all what this book is about but I know I can’t without spoiling it ----- yeah the book is slow in some parts – but please keep reading – give the story a chance – no matter how pissed off at Hope you get for being a “doormat” to her husband – she learns – she grows – and most important she forgives herself.
This is a journey of a woman who has had her life ripped apart and slowly she realizes she must put aside everything else that is dragging her down in order to heal. She goes home to her mothers and meets up with Nick, her best childhood friend – both of them need to learn how to let go of the past and move on. They use each other and help each other to learn to live and love again.
I have to stop here…cause I’m starting to tear up…..it’s not a HEA that you think it is – this will definitely throw you for a loop….you may be pissed or you will close this book completely happy and satisfied.
February 22, 2016
Seriously? This is not set in HPlandia - there is no reason to take a cheating, rapist POS back just because you feel guilty over your child dying. Hope needed to dump Jamie's rear and move on - the man in the flashbacks was not the man he proved to be when the crisis hit, and I could not imagine staying married to someone who let you down so badly when life got really tough.
Jamie is completely unreliable and a pathetic slime sucking parasite of a nematode. Nick was great and then got killed off and Hope was an idiot for wanting to raise a decent man like Nick's child with such a POS as Jamie.
Jamie did not earn his redemption, pathetic whining and blaming the mother of your child for his death while screwing the office bimbo is an act of cowardice, and not traits I would want any child exposed to or behaviors I would want a child to model. I don't care how much the sewage ameoba cried, he was worthless and a cheat and every thing he pretended to be was a lie.
Jamie is ultimately the kind of guy you screw for fun but dump cause he has no substance and no character and is not long term partnership material - he made a great boy toy but that was about it.
I wanted to smack Hope with a skillet and tell her to wake up, she loved an illusion. She would have been much better off without Jamie. She never seems to realize that when the chips are down and bad things happen, Jamie will be off screwing around, blaming her AGAIN and an utter FAIL as a decent person or parent - yet that is what she wants to raise her child with. Riiight --What a fine father for her best friend's child and Nick's legacy. --NOT.
What a sad ending to a pretty decent story about a mum recovering from the loss of her child and finding new strength in herself to go on - it was too bad she regressed to the adolescent in love with a loser, but hopefully she will wake up from her fantasy, kick Jamie to curb and go about raising her child and finding a true partner who can be there when life gets rocky.
The story itself is well written, especially with Hope coming to terms with her grief and her guilt. But Hope was pretty hopeless about facing reality and was way too wiling to keep buying into her delusions about Jamie.
Even when she was very forcibly proven wrong, she still wanted to believe he was some kind of wonderful person when he clearly wasn't and did not do a damn thing to redeem himself, and that lack seriously weakened an otherwise pretty good story.
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did, but Jamie just wasn't worth the pain Hope blathered on about, and it was a shame that the real hero in this story, Nick, died. I would have liked this one a whole lot more had Jamie took the final plunge and Nick and Hope became a couple.
Jamie is completely unreliable and a pathetic slime sucking parasite of a nematode. Nick was great and then got killed off and Hope was an idiot for wanting to raise a decent man like Nick's child with such a POS as Jamie.
Jamie did not earn his redemption, pathetic whining and blaming the mother of your child for his death while screwing the office bimbo is an act of cowardice, and not traits I would want any child exposed to or behaviors I would want a child to model. I don't care how much the sewage ameoba cried, he was worthless and a cheat and every thing he pretended to be was a lie.
Jamie is ultimately the kind of guy you screw for fun but dump cause he has no substance and no character and is not long term partnership material - he made a great boy toy but that was about it.
I wanted to smack Hope with a skillet and tell her to wake up, she loved an illusion. She would have been much better off without Jamie. She never seems to realize that when the chips are down and bad things happen, Jamie will be off screwing around, blaming her AGAIN and an utter FAIL as a decent person or parent - yet that is what she wants to raise her child with. Riiight --What a fine father for her best friend's child and Nick's legacy. --NOT.
What a sad ending to a pretty decent story about a mum recovering from the loss of her child and finding new strength in herself to go on - it was too bad she regressed to the adolescent in love with a loser, but hopefully she will wake up from her fantasy, kick Jamie to curb and go about raising her child and finding a true partner who can be there when life gets rocky.
The story itself is well written, especially with Hope coming to terms with her grief and her guilt. But Hope was pretty hopeless about facing reality and was way too wiling to keep buying into her delusions about Jamie.
Even when she was very forcibly proven wrong, she still wanted to believe he was some kind of wonderful person when he clearly wasn't and did not do a damn thing to redeem himself, and that lack seriously weakened an otherwise pretty good story.
I wanted to like this a lot more than I did, but Jamie just wasn't worth the pain Hope blathered on about, and it was a shame that the real hero in this story, Nick, died. I would have liked this one a whole lot more had Jamie took the final plunge and Nick and Hope became a couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2020
The high ratings make no sense, this book is not badly written, but the content is draining. I felt sorry for Hope but did not understand her. Jamie was a scumbag of epic proportions, apology and forgiveness be dammed! I also did not appreciate everyone around Hope telling her that Jamie was hurting and to give him time! He was hurting? What about Hope! She lost her son, and on top of that her husband blamed her for his death, ignored her, cheated on her, had rough sex with her and would not tell her he loved her? Why on earth would she still want to be with him? Even after she discovers the cheating and he practically rapes her he doesn’t fight for her or act like a decent guy! Sorry that is not love or a real husband! Hope deserved better! She found it in Nick, but obviously she cannot love him as she still love Jamie and there are complications! Then after sleeping with Nick she becomes pregnant and he is dramatically killed! So much drama so little time! So lucky Hope gets to reunite with her scumbag husband so they can raise a child that isn’t his! It’s the stuff that dreams are made of! Jamie is pretty much forgiven everything! The whole cheating thing is never really looked into like how long etc? Think maybe having Jamie’s POV would of helped! Because the way it was there was no redeeming him in my eyes! I am completely lost with people giving this four and five stars, because even if you like Hope and Nick together, how can anyone justify or approve of her ending up with Jamie? All the readers saying they understand Jamie. That’s great, you can understand someone, but realise their behaviour is inexcusable and that a woman who forgave himself nothing and loved him, is worth more. Whatever way you look at it, for a nearly a year Jamie was abusive to Hope. He ignored her, would either not turn up to couples coy selling or put not effort in, would have sex with her like a stranger, was having an affair and even kissed the other woman at a party Hope was at, so she could see! Then he has such forceful sex with Hope she has to ask him to stop, he refuses to tell her he loves her, and blames her for their sons death! Even after Hope finally goes to her mothers Jamie literally puts in no peddler and does not seem fussed about fighting for Hope back. His affair is minimised and we never know how long it goes on for. Grief is not a blanket excuse to be an asshole to your loved ones. Jamie was beyond redemption, and for this to have been a really good book the ending needed to change. If Hope could not have ended up with Nick, she needs to say goodbye to Jamie and find a man that actually deserved her! This just sends a message that a man can abuse, neglect you and than can be forgiven as he is in pain! No one should put up with what Hope did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2014
5 Gut Wrenching "Dynamic Duo" Stars
ARC Provided by the author, "Beth Rinyu" in exchange for an honest review (Thank you)
Please Heed this warning, grab a box of tissues before reading this, because your emotions are going to get put through the wringer..
I thought I was going to get away without crying and did that happy dance of non crying joy wasn't until I hit 80% (I think it was) where I bawled like a fucken baby!!
Eight months ago Hope had everything that she had ever wanted, a beautiful happy boy, a loving husband, and a perfect home and in just one split second that was all taken away from her.
Forgiveness
My heart, My soul, My everything
GONE
To try and fix herself she goes home to the place where she grew up and is re united with her childhood buddy Nick who is also trying to put himself back together..
Nick was the boy who lived down the street, the boy she shared her first kiss with, held hands with, the boy that didn't judge, the boy who saw Hope's beauty..He was that boy..
A friendship that survived the test of time..
"You will always be my best buddy."
Even though this book ripped my heart out and chewed it to pieces, I don't regret one moment of turning those pages and reading this gut wrenching book, it was so beautifully written..
ARC Provided by the author, "Beth Rinyu" in exchange for an honest review (Thank you)
Please Heed this warning, grab a box of tissues before reading this, because your emotions are going to get put through the wringer..
I thought I was going to get away without crying and did that happy dance of non crying joy wasn't until I hit 80% (I think it was) where I bawled like a fucken baby!!
Eight months ago Hope had everything that she had ever wanted, a beautiful happy boy, a loving husband, and a perfect home and in just one split second that was all taken away from her.
Forgiveness
My heart, My soul, My everything
GONE
To try and fix herself she goes home to the place where she grew up and is re united with her childhood buddy Nick who is also trying to put himself back together..
Nick was the boy who lived down the street, the boy she shared her first kiss with, held hands with, the boy that didn't judge, the boy who saw Hope's beauty..He was that boy..
A friendship that survived the test of time..
"You will always be my best buddy."
Even though this book ripped my heart out and chewed it to pieces, I don't regret one moment of turning those pages and reading this gut wrenching book, it was so beautifully written..
February 25, 2016
Cheater+ stupid doormat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2015
So I finished reading this while out with my friends, and lets just say my outburst scared the shit out of everyone, like seriously i did not expect that.. i really didn't, it angered the fuck out of me okay? Like the prologue told me one thing, and something unexpected happened that totally made me misread things.
LIKE WHY THE FUCK DID NICK DIE, I DIDN'T WANT HIM TOO, I LOVE HIM - IT MADE ME FUCKING CRY SO MUCH THAT I BROKE FIVE PENS, LIKE MY FRIENDS HAD TO COMFORT ME OVER A FICTIONAL CHARACTER (none of them found it weird, it's a daily thing for me tbh)
AND SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH HIS BABY - HE DIDN'T KNOW!
THE FUCKING LETTER. OMG THAT KILLED ME. HE'S SO FUCKING SWEET, IT'S FUCKING UNBELIEVABLE, I WANT HIM RIGHT NOW, I'M STILL SO ANGRY, LIKE THE HUSBAND CAN FUCK OFF (i like you but i love nick better, soz babes.
3.5 ratings.
(this review probably doesn't make sense - i'm reallyangry upset so don't judge me.)
LIKE WHY THE FUCK DID NICK DIE, I DIDN'T WANT HIM TOO, I LOVE HIM - IT MADE ME FUCKING CRY SO MUCH THAT I BROKE FIVE PENS, LIKE MY FRIENDS HAD TO COMFORT ME OVER A FICTIONAL CHARACTER (none of them found it weird, it's a daily thing for me tbh)
AND SHE WAS PREGNANT WITH HIS BABY - HE DIDN'T KNOW!
THE FUCKING LETTER. OMG THAT KILLED ME. HE'S SO FUCKING SWEET, IT'S FUCKING UNBELIEVABLE, I WANT HIM RIGHT NOW, I'M STILL SO ANGRY, LIKE THE HUSBAND CAN FUCK OFF (i like you but i love nick better, soz babes.
3.5 ratings.
(this review probably doesn't make sense - i'm really
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2014
Can't wait to share this story with all of you!
March 13, 2014
If you have not had the pleasure of reading a novel by Beth Rinyu you must click your mouse over to Amazon.com and purchase everything she has ever written! Beth’s novels throw an emotional punch with memorable characters, and her books are written absolutely beautifully. A Cry for Hope was no exception as I finished reading it days ago and am still thinking about the characters and story.
My Casting:
A Cry for Hope tells the story of Hope. A young 30 something wife and mother who had the most perfect life a woman could ever dream of. She had an attractive lawyer husband Jamie who would kiss the ground she walked on and a beautiful little boy completed their perfect family. Everything changed the day they lost their son in an accident and now Hope’s marriage is falling apart. Their relationship is in pieces as her husband won’t even look at her. Hope’s childhood best friend Nick comes back into Hope’s life and gives Hope, hope…
I absolutely love how the story is written. It starts with the present time and every few chapters it is written of a scene from Hope’s past from how she met Jamie to a memory of her childhood with Nick. It really helped me understand the characters and their relationships so much more. When you first read about Jamie you only know him as the cheating husband but without these flashback chapters of the past seeing how the real Jamie is before the death of his son I wouldn’t of liked him. I wanted Jamie and Hope together the entire time and loved the scenes of their relationship before their hearts were broken. Though I loved Jamie I liked Nick a lot too. Scenes of Hope and Nick’s childhood were so cute. Nick is a broken character himself and needed Hope just as much as she needed him. I love their friendship as adults once they are reunited.
Though not a lot happens from the beginning to near the end I was still very captivated by the story not wanting to put the book down. I read the entire book in 2 long sittings. I just love Beth’s books because they feel so real. I didn’t want the book to end but at the same time I couldn’t wait to find out what will become of Hope, Jamie, and Nick. All three are dealing with traumatic events and how things were playing out it seemed like someone may lose at the end… I don’t want to say too much but I was preparing myself for my heartbreak for someone.
The ending was sweet…. I wish it wasn’t so rushed at some parts and more written out on certain scenes. I wish I wasn’t still in tears!! I think I cried more at the end then I did in the beginning!!!
I highly recommend A Cry for Hope for those looking for a REAL, adult, romance/emotional novel that does not leave on a cliffhanger. It’s the perfect book to sit and get a good cry out! The emotional books are always the best!
I give A Cry for Hope 4.5 Stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
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My Casting:
A Cry for Hope tells the story of Hope. A young 30 something wife and mother who had the most perfect life a woman could ever dream of. She had an attractive lawyer husband Jamie who would kiss the ground she walked on and a beautiful little boy completed their perfect family. Everything changed the day they lost their son in an accident and now Hope’s marriage is falling apart. Their relationship is in pieces as her husband won’t even look at her. Hope’s childhood best friend Nick comes back into Hope’s life and gives Hope, hope…
I absolutely love how the story is written. It starts with the present time and every few chapters it is written of a scene from Hope’s past from how she met Jamie to a memory of her childhood with Nick. It really helped me understand the characters and their relationships so much more. When you first read about Jamie you only know him as the cheating husband but without these flashback chapters of the past seeing how the real Jamie is before the death of his son I wouldn’t of liked him. I wanted Jamie and Hope together the entire time and loved the scenes of their relationship before their hearts were broken. Though I loved Jamie I liked Nick a lot too. Scenes of Hope and Nick’s childhood were so cute. Nick is a broken character himself and needed Hope just as much as she needed him. I love their friendship as adults once they are reunited.
Though not a lot happens from the beginning to near the end I was still very captivated by the story not wanting to put the book down. I read the entire book in 2 long sittings. I just love Beth’s books because they feel so real. I didn’t want the book to end but at the same time I couldn’t wait to find out what will become of Hope, Jamie, and Nick. All three are dealing with traumatic events and how things were playing out it seemed like someone may lose at the end… I don’t want to say too much but I was preparing myself for my heartbreak for someone.
The ending was sweet…. I wish it wasn’t so rushed at some parts and more written out on certain scenes. I wish I wasn’t still in tears!! I think I cried more at the end then I did in the beginning!!!
I highly recommend A Cry for Hope for those looking for a REAL, adult, romance/emotional novel that does not leave on a cliffhanger. It’s the perfect book to sit and get a good cry out! The emotional books are always the best!
I give A Cry for Hope 4.5 Stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
Stay connected with my reviews, book news and more:
Blog- Jessica’s Book Review | Facebook | Twitter
March 15, 2014
G&J 4.5 Stars
‘This is the story about my family. My beautiful son, my once perfect husband, and finding the courage to live and feel whole again.’
Gitte: Okay, before I start I have to say that this has to be one of the most depressing books I’ve read in a long time. It was so damn sad and disturbing I think I continuously burst out crying throughout the whole story. I felt almost involved and devastated as the tragedies just kept on coming and at times they made me uncomfortable reading as I felt undeniably connected. I went through a spectrum of emotions from sadness to hopeful; elation to anger.
“If I can’t even fix myself, how the hell can I even begin to think about fixing us?” – Jamie
Now, the writing was pure class; the moving from past to present flowed perfectly. It was flawless and seemed almost effortless to the point where I felt as if I was watching it play out. My one and only gripe with this story was how predictable it was. I called the twists and the ending a third way through and because of that there was no real surprises for me. It was just a little bit too obvious how it was going to play out sadly.
Nevertheless, this was an astonishingly beautiful depiction of true love, strong friendship, soul-mates, sorrow and learning how to overcome tragedy. A Cry for Hope was an emotionally exhausting journey and I felt every single heavy and burdened step our characters Hope, Jamie & Nick had to take and every bit of the turmoil they went through.
“I can’t start a new life until I can get rid of the painful memories in my old one.” – Nick
It was so very upsetting at times watching what these characters went through to heal themselves and each other. This is one of those stories that deserves for the reader to go into it blind isn’t it Jenny!?
Jenny: Absolutely Gitte! Even though, as you said, the story was a little predictable, it is imperative for readers to enter into A Cry for Hope without spoilers, and without any preconceived ideas about the story. It was so beautifully sad and moving and my heart ached.
I read this whole book with a heavy heart and cried so many times throughout but my heart was also filled with so much hope for these characters. I loved them and wanted them to heal and find that second chance after such a tragic start to the story.
“I’m so sorry for hurting you, Hope. I just want the pain in my heart to go away.” – Jamie
“Me too, but I don’t think it will ever go away, Jamie. It may subside over time, but it will never completely go away.” – Hope
As you said, the past/present switch was executed to perfection leaving me sobbing as I witnessed the destruction of a love that once seemed unbreakable. It crushed me. Experiencing their love from its passionate and loving highs, to its guilt ridden and painful lows really took me on an emotional ride that I’m still thinking about now. These characters own my heart.
Gitte: In my opinion; because the writing was so beautiful and the connection to the characters so easily established early on, you can’t help but feel the intensity of the grief and struggles experienced in the aftermath of Hope and Jamie losing their son Charlie. The grieving process is harrowing; the finger of blame inevitable. I literally cannot imagine anything worse than having to bury your own child. The strength of the love that remains after their marriage hangs in tatters is palpable. As is the strength of friendship and love between Hope and Nick. It touched my heart and broke me to the point of copious tears shed.
“Mommy’s really scared, Charlie, so I’m going to hold your hand, if that’s okay…”
So many hearts connected; such intensity of love felt and such strength of characters and convictions. I felt every word of this second chance emotional romance; you did too didn’t you Jenny?
Jenny: The writing certainly was flawless with the author capturing so fluidly the pain and torment and utter bone crushing grief one would feel in Jamie and Hope’s situation. Each punishing the other for something that was beyond their control, yet at a loss on how to repair and deal with the loss in their hearts. Jamie and Hope loved each other deeply yet how do you cope when that love and commitment is tested, when the man who is the other half of your heart feels so distant?
“I miss my husband. The man that I could tell anything to. The one that I used to laugh and cry with. The one who would hold me in his arms whenever I was feeling down.”
I felt every moment of their pain and I cherished every second of hope they felt. I came undone at times as the love they shared became overshadowed by the pain and guilt over the loss of their beloved son could was mirrored in each other’s eyes. How hard to love someone to your core yet have the person evoke painful memories by their mere existence.
‘I’m not a mom anymore and it just hurts…….’
I felt every moment of this story Gitte, and we shared a few sobbing phone calls throughout and our hearts hurt that’s for sure. This story was a wonderfully told story of second chance love and loss, the importance of friendship and my heart broke and it soared through a story which moved me completely.
J&G: This story was breathtakingly beautiful and earth shattering moving. As it’s told from present to flashbacks we felt as if we were sharing this soul searching journey with Jamie, Hope and Nick.
We experienced Hope and Jamie’s relationship from the heart-warming and tentative new beginning of new love to an intense and solid love between two soul mates right to the moment Jamie and Hope’s world is shattered and beyond.
“You need to stop feeling as if you need to be punished for something that was out of your control.”
Each character is lost in their grief and each handling their feelings differently with Jamie and Hope questioning each other’s actions and as Hope reaches out to her old friend Nick, you wonder if she will find solace in the arms of another, or if her love for Jamie will lead her back to the man who has shared her life, her hopes, her dreams, her happiness and her sorrow.
‘Charlie was the centre of my world. He was the greatest gift that I had ever received…..’
Beth Rinyu handled this story with sensitivity, warmth and beauty. The characters were relatable with each playing such a crucial role in Hope’s healing and we loved every sad yet hopeful step Hope took.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
March 4, 2014
What's harder learning to forgive yourself or someone else? This story proves that a loss of a child could bring a couple closer together or rip them apart.
It was sweet to see that friendship does stand the test of time. And some of us find our soul mates in a friend. Beth you know why I'm still upset about this book LOL...
Even though I want to hate Jamie....I understand him...bc I would be the same way.
LOVED it Beth ......awesome job!!
Add this to your list ladies
It was sweet to see that friendship does stand the test of time. And some of us find our soul mates in a friend. Beth you know why I'm still upset about this book LOL...
Even though I want to hate Jamie....I understand him...bc I would be the same way.
LOVED it Beth ......awesome job!!
Add this to your list ladies
Want to read
April 30, 2014 I've been told this is super emotional... *added*
I'm told the story is about a woman who has just lost the two things she loves most in life and she returns to the place she grew up to heal where she reconnects with an old friend who is home on leave from the Marines...
I'm told the story is about a woman who has just lost the two things she loves most in life and she returns to the place she grew up to heal where she reconnects with an old friend who is home on leave from the Marines...
March 14, 2014
G&J 4.5 Stars
‘This is the story about my family. My beautiful son, my once perfect husband, and finding the courage to live and feel whole again.’
Gitte: Okay, before I start I have to say that this has to be one of the most depressing books I’ve read in a long time. It was so damn sad and disturbing I think I continuously burst out crying throughout the whole story. I felt almost involved and devastated as the tragedies just kept on coming and at times they made me uncomfortable reading as I felt undeniably connected. I went through a spectrum of emotions from sadness to hopeful; elation to anger.
“If I can’t even fix myself, how the hell can I even begin to think about fixing us?” – Jamie
Now, the writing was pure class; the moving from past to present flowed perfectly. It was flawless and seemed almost effortless to the point where I felt as if I was watching it play out. My one and only gripe with this story was how predictable it was. I called the twists and the ending a third way through and because of that there was no real surprises for me. It was just a little bit too obvious how it was going to play out sadly.
Nevertheless, this was an astonishingly beautiful depiction of true love, strong friendship, soul-mates, sorrow and learning how to overcome tragedy. A Cry for Hope was an emotionally exhausting journey and I felt every single heavy and burdened step our characters Hope, Jamie & Nick had to take and every bit of the turmoil they went through.
“I can’t start a new life until I can get rid of the painful memories in my old one.” – Nick
It was so very upsetting at times watching what these characters went through to heal themselves and each other. This is one of those stories that deserves for the reader to go into it blind isn’t it Jenny!?
Jenny: Absolutely Gitte! Even though, as you said, the story was a little predictable, it is imperative for readers to enter into A Cry for Hope without spoilers, and without any preconceived ideas about the story. It was so beautifully sad and moving and my heart ached.
I read this whole book with a heavy heart and cried so many times throughout but my heart was also filled with so much hope for these characters. I loved them and wanted them to heal and find that second chance after such a tragic start to the story.
“I’m so sorry for hurting you, Hope. I just want the pain in my heart to go away.” – Jamie
“Me too, but I don’t think it will ever go away, Jamie. It may subside over time, but it will never completely go away.” – Hope
As you said, the past/present switch was executed to perfection leaving me sobbing as I witnessed the destruction of a love that once seemed unbreakable. It crushed me. Experiencing their love from its passionate and loving highs, to its guilt ridden and painful lows really took me on an emotional ride that I’m still thinking about now. These characters own my heart.
Gitte: In my opinion; because the writing was so beautiful and the connection to the characters so easily established early on, you can’t help but feel the intensity of the grief and struggles experienced in the aftermath of Hope and Jamie losing their son Charlie. The grieving process is harrowing; the finger of blame inevitable. I literally cannot imagine anything worse than having to bury your own child. The strength of the love that remains after their marriage hangs in tatters is palpable. As is the strength of friendship and love between Hope and Nick. It touched my heart and broke me to the point of copious tears shed.
“Mommy’s really scared, Charlie, so I’m going to hold your hand, if that’s okay…”
So many hearts connected; such intensity of love felt and such strength of characters and convictions. I felt every word of this second chance emotional romance; you did too didn’t you Jenny?
Jenny: The writing certainly was flawless with the author capturing so fluidly the pain and torment and utter bone crushing grief one would feel in Jamie and Hope’s situation. Each punishing the other for something that was beyond their control, yet at a loss on how to repair and deal with the loss in their hearts. Jamie and Hope loved each other deeply yet how do you cope when that love and commitment is tested, when the man who is the other half of your heart feels so distant?
“I miss my husband. The man that I could tell anything to. The one that I used to laugh and cry with. The one who would hold me in his arms whenever I was feeling down.”
I felt every moment of their pain and I cherished every second of hope they felt. I came undone at times as the love they shared became overshadowed by the pain and guilt over the loss of their beloved son could was mirrored in each other’s eyes. How hard to love someone to your core yet have the person evoke painful memories by their mere existence.
‘I’m not a mom anymore and it just hurts…….’
I felt every moment of this story Gitte, and we shared a few sobbing phone calls throughout and our hearts hurt that’s for sure. This story was a wonderfully told story of second chance love and loss, the importance of friendship and my heart broke and it soared through a story which moved me completely.
J&G: This story was breathtakingly beautiful and earth shattering moving. As it’s told from present to flashbacks we felt as if we were sharing this soul searching journey with Jamie, Hope and Nick.
We experienced Hope and Jamie’s relationship from the heart-warming and tentative new beginning of new love to an intense and solid love between two soul mates right to the moment Jamie and Hope’s world is shattered and beyond.
“You need to stop feeling as if you need to be punished for something that was out of your control.”
Each character is lost in their grief and each handling their feelings differently with Jamie and Hope questioning each other’s actions and as Hope reaches out to her old friend Nick, you wonder if she will find solace in the arms of another, or if her love for Jamie will lead her back to the man who has shared her life, her hopes, her dreams, her happiness and her sorrow.
‘Charlie was the centre of my world. He was the greatest gift that I had ever received…..’
Beth Rinyu handled this story with sensitivity, warmth and beauty. The characters were relatable with each playing such a crucial role in Hope’s healing and we loved every sad yet hopeful step Hope took.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Reviewed for: http://totallybookedblog.com/
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June 8, 2014
A strong word of advice, if you plan to read this book, just READ IT.Do not attempt to read any reviews, for you might read something that will spoil your reading. That's what happened to me. To think I was only scrolling down...But if you still insist, then please proceed with CAUTION
The first part of the book when Hope's marriage began to fail after the tragedy is plain heavy.
It's always hard for Hope to live each day, especially when her husband ignores her and knowing that her once perfect marriage was shattered to pieces.
What Hope says to Jamie when she confronts him about their problem is really piercing to the heart. Especially when what she always get is silence. I can't help but see in this story, because their once perfect marriage was also destroyed by somewhat the same scenario.
Hope wants to save her marriage, but how can she do it when she herself was also broken. I always believe that before you love others, you have to love yourself. By loving yourself, I mean are you still happy with the course of your marriage or not?
As much it hurts Hope, she decides to do what her therapist suggest, especially when she already feels so worthless to Jamie. She did the right thing.
After leaving Jamie to find herself, she met her old time buddy Nick from her childhood. Despite their lack of communication, their old friendship was quickly rekindled. And since both were broken during that time, they only have each other to ease their pain.
This is a beautiful story about finding oneself, forgiveness, celebrating the life of the lost loved ones instead of mourning after their death (I love that saying, a more thorough definition for acceptance ) and above all, learn to love and be loved in return.
This is the first book from Miss Rinyu that I've read. I just jumped into reading without knowing the blurb(as always) because everyone seems to cry while reading this, so I'd like to give it a try. Sadly, I didn't cry or have teary-eyed but I'm not saying it's a bad read because it's not... In fact, I highly recommend this book. But be warned though, doesn't mean that if I didn't cry, you won't. Because to be honest, I really haven't cried over a book.
The first part of the book when Hope's marriage began to fail after the tragedy is plain heavy.
My heart, my soul, and the reason that I breathed, my Charlie, gone. My husband was now a stranger, and beautiful home was just a house…a house filled with guilt, blame, and sorrow.
It's always hard for Hope to live each day, especially when her husband ignores her and knowing that her once perfect marriage was shattered to pieces.
What Hope says to Jamie when she confronts him about their problem is really piercing to the heart. Especially when what she always get is silence. I can't help but see in this story, because their once perfect marriage was also destroyed by somewhat the same scenario.
Hope wants to save her marriage, but how can she do it when she herself was also broken. I always believe that before you love others, you have to love yourself. By loving yourself, I mean are you still happy with the course of your marriage or not?
As much it hurts Hope, she decides to do what her therapist suggest, especially when she already feels so worthless to Jamie. She did the right thing.
After leaving Jamie to find herself, she met her old time buddy Nick from her childhood. Despite their lack of communication, their old friendship was quickly rekindled. And since both were broken during that time, they only have each other to ease their pain.
This is a beautiful story about finding oneself, forgiveness, celebrating the life of the lost loved ones instead of mourning after their death (I love that saying, a more thorough definition for acceptance ) and above all, learn to love and be loved in return.
This is the first book from Miss Rinyu that I've read. I just jumped into reading without knowing the blurb(as always) because everyone seems to cry while reading this, so I'd like to give it a try. Sadly, I didn't cry or have teary-eyed but I'm not saying it's a bad read because it's not... In fact, I highly recommend this book. But be warned though, doesn't mean that if I didn't cry, you won't. Because to be honest, I really haven't cried over a book.
March 3, 2014
This is the story about my family. My beautiful son, my once perfect husband, and finding the courage to live and feel whole again.
This is a heart wrenching, but inspirational story of tragic loss, broken hearts, shattered trust, grief, pain and healing. The subject matter is difficult and painful. The emotions are deep, devastating, and powerful. But it is also a story of healing and finding a path to hope.
Hope is facing the most difficult time of her life. She has suffered a great loss, is floundering, lonely, hurt and broken. She can't find her way back to herself and has lost her biggest support. Her once picture perfect life is crumbling around her. She heads home to her Mom's to regroup and get distance.
"We need to mend our own hearts before we can mend each other's. And in the end, hopefully, we can both be there to put the pieces of us back together..."
At home, she runs into her old childhood friend, Nick. He was her best friend, confidant, and first kiss before he moved away and they lost touch. He is now back from the Marines and facing his own demons. He is also suffering, damaged, and in a state of limbo. My heart broke for him and all he had endured. I loved their close connection. They provide little shreds of humor and happiness for each other in their current darkness. Together they help each other find the strength to face their guilt, loss, and pain. They have such a significant impact on each other's lives.
"I'd be honored to be your soul mate, Hope."
"Good because I seriously don't know where I would be right now if you didn't come back into my life."
"Same here."
It is told in Hope's point of view in past and present, but the past chapters strongly relate to the present ones and are perfectly placed. They give us a window to Hope's happy past with her husband, Jamie and son, Charlie. I really liked Jamie in the flashbacks even though he often disappointed me in the present. It allowed us to see the stark differences in each of them and their relationship past vs. present. But as much as I wanted to dislike him, I couldn't really. Yeah, he made some mistakes and shut down. But he was also lost, hurting, and trying to heal too. And we also learn more about Hope and Nick's past as they reminisce about their younger days illustrating just how deep their connection went.
I really could not decide how I hoped it would all play out. She had such strong connections with both men and each of them meant so much to her. I was attached to both of them. And I just really wanted Hope to heal and find happiness again. Every step she took towards the light showed her inner strength and capacity of love.
Nick had helped me so much, but I knew that it was up to me to completely climb from the dark hole and start living again. I couldn't keep depending on everyone else to be there to pick up the pieces for me. I had to depend on me.
This is a journey of self discovery for these characters. It sucks you in and makes you feel all of it...the despair, loneliness, disappointment, and pain. But also builds you up again with hope, faith, and forgiveness. The characters are flawed and make mistakes, but they own them and deal with them. It was difficult, raw, emotional, painful, and heart breaking. But there were also times of sweetness, humor, love, and joy. There were twists and turns that kept me engaged and at times had me grabbing a tissue. It was beautifully written and flowed effortlessly. I felt like I traveled this difficult road with these characters and felt all the highs, lows, and inbetweens with them. It will be a story that sticks with me and that I will not soon forget.
We caught a glimpse of Jamie's wild, fire-fighter, womanizing younger brother, Will in this one and he will be the subject of a companion novel A Will To Change. I am already intrigued by him and his story.
Thanks to Beth Rinyu for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
This is a heart wrenching, but inspirational story of tragic loss, broken hearts, shattered trust, grief, pain and healing. The subject matter is difficult and painful. The emotions are deep, devastating, and powerful. But it is also a story of healing and finding a path to hope.
Hope is facing the most difficult time of her life. She has suffered a great loss, is floundering, lonely, hurt and broken. She can't find her way back to herself and has lost her biggest support. Her once picture perfect life is crumbling around her. She heads home to her Mom's to regroup and get distance.
"We need to mend our own hearts before we can mend each other's. And in the end, hopefully, we can both be there to put the pieces of us back together..."
At home, she runs into her old childhood friend, Nick. He was her best friend, confidant, and first kiss before he moved away and they lost touch. He is now back from the Marines and facing his own demons. He is also suffering, damaged, and in a state of limbo. My heart broke for him and all he had endured. I loved their close connection. They provide little shreds of humor and happiness for each other in their current darkness. Together they help each other find the strength to face their guilt, loss, and pain. They have such a significant impact on each other's lives.
"I'd be honored to be your soul mate, Hope."
"Good because I seriously don't know where I would be right now if you didn't come back into my life."
"Same here."
It is told in Hope's point of view in past and present, but the past chapters strongly relate to the present ones and are perfectly placed. They give us a window to Hope's happy past with her husband, Jamie and son, Charlie. I really liked Jamie in the flashbacks even though he often disappointed me in the present. It allowed us to see the stark differences in each of them and their relationship past vs. present. But as much as I wanted to dislike him, I couldn't really. Yeah, he made some mistakes and shut down. But he was also lost, hurting, and trying to heal too. And we also learn more about Hope and Nick's past as they reminisce about their younger days illustrating just how deep their connection went.
I really could not decide how I hoped it would all play out. She had such strong connections with both men and each of them meant so much to her. I was attached to both of them. And I just really wanted Hope to heal and find happiness again. Every step she took towards the light showed her inner strength and capacity of love.
Nick had helped me so much, but I knew that it was up to me to completely climb from the dark hole and start living again. I couldn't keep depending on everyone else to be there to pick up the pieces for me. I had to depend on me.
This is a journey of self discovery for these characters. It sucks you in and makes you feel all of it...the despair, loneliness, disappointment, and pain. But also builds you up again with hope, faith, and forgiveness. The characters are flawed and make mistakes, but they own them and deal with them. It was difficult, raw, emotional, painful, and heart breaking. But there were also times of sweetness, humor, love, and joy. There were twists and turns that kept me engaged and at times had me grabbing a tissue. It was beautifully written and flowed effortlessly. I felt like I traveled this difficult road with these characters and felt all the highs, lows, and inbetweens with them. It will be a story that sticks with me and that I will not soon forget.
We caught a glimpse of Jamie's wild, fire-fighter, womanizing younger brother, Will in this one and he will be the subject of a companion novel A Will To Change. I am already intrigued by him and his story.
Thanks to Beth Rinyu for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. Will be posted at Reviews by Tammy and Kim.
March 15, 2014
"I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review."
What keeps me coming back for more of Beth Rinyu's heart wrenching books full of love, fate, and the unexpected??? It's what she can do in the last 2 pages of a book. She gets me every time right in the gut. That feeling you get that makes you say I am never going to forget this book, these characters and what Beth Rinyu did to me when she told their story.
This is what A Cry For Hope did to me.
I didn't go into this blind but when Beth asked if I would review A Cry For Hope I said "HELL YES!!" I could never turn down one of Beth Rinyu's books. I was warned that I would need tissues, so I stocked up and grabbed a glass of wine. Well, after more than a glass of wine and a pile of tissues later I was an absolute mess.
I have never felt so much for a group of characters before like I did for Hope, Jamie and Nick. Every time I saw the name Charlie I reached for a tissue. But I kept going hoping that there was a light at the end of this very dark tunnel. So just when I start to see Hope beginning to move forward and let go of all the hurt and loss.
Then Beth hit me with a dozy of a gut punch.
After I recovered from this devastating twist I could being to see the happy ending I was now longing for. This right here is what Beth Rinyu excels at "THE ENDING" I don't know of any other author that can make you cry happy tears and fill your heart with so much love and hope and still bring you to your knees.
This lady right here (Beth Rinyu) has done it to me 4 times.
So I say this "Bravo, Beth Rinyu and thank you for your words"
What keeps me coming back for more of Beth Rinyu's heart wrenching books full of love, fate, and the unexpected??? It's what she can do in the last 2 pages of a book. She gets me every time right in the gut. That feeling you get that makes you say I am never going to forget this book, these characters and what Beth Rinyu did to me when she told their story.
This is what A Cry For Hope did to me.
I didn't go into this blind but when Beth asked if I would review A Cry For Hope I said "HELL YES!!" I could never turn down one of Beth Rinyu's books. I was warned that I would need tissues, so I stocked up and grabbed a glass of wine. Well, after more than a glass of wine and a pile of tissues later I was an absolute mess.
I have never felt so much for a group of characters before like I did for Hope, Jamie and Nick. Every time I saw the name Charlie I reached for a tissue. But I kept going hoping that there was a light at the end of this very dark tunnel. So just when I start to see Hope beginning to move forward and let go of all the hurt and loss.
Then Beth hit me with a dozy of a gut punch.
After I recovered from this devastating twist I could being to see the happy ending I was now longing for. This right here is what Beth Rinyu excels at "THE ENDING" I don't know of any other author that can make you cry happy tears and fill your heart with so much love and hope and still bring you to your knees.
This lady right here (Beth Rinyu) has done it to me 4 times.
So I say this "Bravo, Beth Rinyu and thank you for your words"
March 29, 2014
Nothing about this book was easy.
I had a stomachache from the first chapter, and it didn’t subside until the epilogue. A Cry for Hope is about a couple who’s lost their child to a horrible drowning accident and who have to take time away from each other to figure out whether or not they’re going to stay together.
This book was written so well that all the assumptions I’d made by the third chapter had been proven wrong before I got to the ending. Nothing about this book was predictable, and I think that’s one of the biggest reasons I was caught so off guard with some of the twists.
This was a different book than I’m used to reading from Rinyu. Although her style is still the same, this subject matter was really heavy (though to be honest, I haven’t read some of her earlier stuff, which I’ve heard is just as intense). Up until now, my favorite of hers was An Unplanned Lesson, but that’s changed after reading A Cry for Hope!
The flashback chapters were brilliantly done, with each memory of her past directly correlating to the present chapters in between. I was never bored, and I was never confused. It was truly a story that will stay in my mind and heart forever. You can’t read a story like this and expect it to not stick with you. These characters are too wonderful for that.
I knew this was going to be a difficult one to read, so I put off reading it until I knew my heart could handle it. I read a few romantic comedies before diving into this one to prepare myself for the days of sadness. And although the majority of this book was heart-wrenching, I can’t help but love the message: You have to fight for your happiness, for the ones that you love, and for your future, because you can’t change the past. You can only live for the present.
I'm looking forward to A Will to Change!
I had a stomachache from the first chapter, and it didn’t subside until the epilogue. A Cry for Hope is about a couple who’s lost their child to a horrible drowning accident and who have to take time away from each other to figure out whether or not they’re going to stay together.
This book was written so well that all the assumptions I’d made by the third chapter had been proven wrong before I got to the ending. Nothing about this book was predictable, and I think that’s one of the biggest reasons I was caught so off guard with some of the twists.
This was a different book than I’m used to reading from Rinyu. Although her style is still the same, this subject matter was really heavy (though to be honest, I haven’t read some of her earlier stuff, which I’ve heard is just as intense). Up until now, my favorite of hers was An Unplanned Lesson, but that’s changed after reading A Cry for Hope!
The flashback chapters were brilliantly done, with each memory of her past directly correlating to the present chapters in between. I was never bored, and I was never confused. It was truly a story that will stay in my mind and heart forever. You can’t read a story like this and expect it to not stick with you. These characters are too wonderful for that.
I knew this was going to be a difficult one to read, so I put off reading it until I knew my heart could handle it. I read a few romantic comedies before diving into this one to prepare myself for the days of sadness. And although the majority of this book was heart-wrenching, I can’t help but love the message: You have to fight for your happiness, for the ones that you love, and for your future, because you can’t change the past. You can only live for the present.
I'm looking forward to A Will to Change!
August 5, 2016
Heed the warning!! Must have full box of tissues before reading this book!
Beth Rinyu never lets me down. I heard she had a new book coming out, synopsis be damned, I added it to my tbr list!
I don't care what it's about. Beth could write about Honey Boo Boo buying a new dress and I would buy it, read it, love it and cry my eyes out!!!
Imagine my luck, winning an ARC!!! I was over the moon!
Oh My Gawd did I cry!! This is a beautifully written emotional journey of overcoming tragedy, finding solace in unexpected places and learning to celebrate life. Yes it is emotional and heart-wrenching, but there is also love, friendship and laughter. Oh and lets not forget the steam!
I loved each and every character and what they brought to the story as well as the different relationships throughout. The love between a parent and child, husband and wife, and between best friends. The writing is so believable and relateable that you can't help but become attached and emotionally invested in the characters.
I want you to go in blindly like I did, so I won't say more than I need to. Read this book!!
Beth Rinyu never lets me down. I heard she had a new book coming out, synopsis be damned, I added it to my tbr list!
I don't care what it's about. Beth could write about Honey Boo Boo buying a new dress and I would buy it, read it, love it and cry my eyes out!!!
Imagine my luck, winning an ARC!!! I was over the moon!
I had everything that I ever wanted... a beautiful child, a great husband, and a perfect home. Now I had nothing. My heart, my soul, and the reason that I breathed, my Charlie, was gone.
Oh My Gawd did I cry!! This is a beautifully written emotional journey of overcoming tragedy, finding solace in unexpected places and learning to celebrate life. Yes it is emotional and heart-wrenching, but there is also love, friendship and laughter. Oh and lets not forget the steam!
I loved each and every character and what they brought to the story as well as the different relationships throughout. The love between a parent and child, husband and wife, and between best friends. The writing is so believable and relateable that you can't help but become attached and emotionally invested in the characters.
Happiness is the most important thing in the world. Life is too short to live without it.
I want you to go in blindly like I did, so I won't say more than I need to. Read this book!!
April 14, 2015
Wow! I really liked this one. This story was very emotional but oh so touching and tender as well. Love these characters, Hope, Nick and Jamie. You feel for them. Feel their pain and also the love and friendship. I loved the writing and also that the story was different. I really wasn't expecting it to go in the direction that it did but that's what I love about a good book and what keeps me captivated. I thought it ended beautifully. Looking forward to reading the next book.
March 15, 2014
...love, grief and forgiveness can take many forms, even when there's more than 2 people involved. Everything happens for a reason, especially so in this book, and predictability (and a few grammar errors) never read so good. I really did love this story.
4.5 emotional stars!!
May 11, 2014
I won this book in a giveaway sponsored by the Author on release party that was being held on Facebook.
It was my first contact with the author and the book. I didn't even knew what was it about. I read the synopsis and I began wondering if I would really want to read it, not because it wasn't good or because I was afraid I wouldn't like but because I knew I'd cry a river when reading it. I wasn't wrong.
I began reading it like three days ago after postponing it for quite a while and I really took three days because I found myself sobbing and whipping like crazy every 10 or 20 pages and I needed to stop because tears wouldn't let me see a thing. It's beautifully written and one really amazing thing is the way the author manages time. I must warn anyone who wants to read it: every single flash back is going to bring you to tears.
As you might have found out, I'm a very emotional person; my mother used to say I am the kind of person who cries because weather isn't good. That said, I just can't imagine the pain of losing someone. When we know someone we love deeply is sick, we make our minds, knowing we might lose them forever, but when it's so sudden and unannounced, the pain must be unbearable, specially if we are talking about a child. It's unnatural, we are supposed to burry our parents and not the other way around, and definitely not at such a short age as Charlie.
Though the name of the leading character is Hope, she actually feels hopeless half of the time. Losing a child is terrible, but she didn't just lost a child, she kind of lost everything she had: her life, her marriage, her self confidence. Imagine having a perfect life and then have it ripped away from you. How would you manage to keep up? Where would you find the strength to even wake up every single day and cope with a life you don't longer want lo live? Who do you deal with sorrow and desperation? Could you forgive yourself? Could you get fixed?
The one place we can always go when we are lost is home, because that's where we feel safe. The book tells us the story about a woman who goes back home, back where she started, in order to arrange her life after losing her kid. It's a story about forgiving yourself and forgiving others, it's about friendship and family, it's about grief and how to get over it, how to "celebrate life instead of mourning death". It's a journey through one really tough time where Hope learns much more about herself and finally find the strength to fix her life.
One book I really loved and would definitely recommend.
It was my first contact with the author and the book. I didn't even knew what was it about. I read the synopsis and I began wondering if I would really want to read it, not because it wasn't good or because I was afraid I wouldn't like but because I knew I'd cry a river when reading it. I wasn't wrong.
I began reading it like three days ago after postponing it for quite a while and I really took three days because I found myself sobbing and whipping like crazy every 10 or 20 pages and I needed to stop because tears wouldn't let me see a thing. It's beautifully written and one really amazing thing is the way the author manages time. I must warn anyone who wants to read it: every single flash back is going to bring you to tears.
As you might have found out, I'm a very emotional person; my mother used to say I am the kind of person who cries because weather isn't good. That said, I just can't imagine the pain of losing someone. When we know someone we love deeply is sick, we make our minds, knowing we might lose them forever, but when it's so sudden and unannounced, the pain must be unbearable, specially if we are talking about a child. It's unnatural, we are supposed to burry our parents and not the other way around, and definitely not at such a short age as Charlie.
Though the name of the leading character is Hope, she actually feels hopeless half of the time. Losing a child is terrible, but she didn't just lost a child, she kind of lost everything she had: her life, her marriage, her self confidence. Imagine having a perfect life and then have it ripped away from you. How would you manage to keep up? Where would you find the strength to even wake up every single day and cope with a life you don't longer want lo live? Who do you deal with sorrow and desperation? Could you forgive yourself? Could you get fixed?
The one place we can always go when we are lost is home, because that's where we feel safe. The book tells us the story about a woman who goes back home, back where she started, in order to arrange her life after losing her kid. It's a story about forgiving yourself and forgiving others, it's about friendship and family, it's about grief and how to get over it, how to "celebrate life instead of mourning death". It's a journey through one really tough time where Hope learns much more about herself and finally find the strength to fix her life.
One book I really loved and would definitely recommend.
April 22, 2014
5 I Freaking Bawled my Eyes Out STARS!!!
***************************************TISSUE ALERT*************************************************
HOLY CRAP!! Talk about a tear jerker! I ugly cried through out this book, starting with the first chapter. The author did an amazing job with telling such a heart breaking story of more than just one type of loss.
I can't even begin the describe the emotions this book evoked, and I was utterly entranced and could not put this book down until I finished reading what I knew would Emotionally gut me to the point I didn't want to finish reading it because I know that the ending was going be very bittersweet.
***************************************TISSUE ALERT*************************************************
HOLY CRAP!! Talk about a tear jerker! I ugly cried through out this book, starting with the first chapter. The author did an amazing job with telling such a heart breaking story of more than just one type of loss.
I can't even begin the describe the emotions this book evoked, and I was utterly entranced and could not put this book down until I finished reading what I knew would Emotionally gut me to the point I didn't want to finish reading it because I know that the ending was going be very bittersweet.
February 15, 2015
Make sure you have a box of Kleenex beside you when you start this novel as it's a gut-wrenching story from beginning to end. What an emotional roller-coaster ride about love, loss, and forgiveness. An outstanding and beautifully written novel with true-to-life characters that you'll fall in love with just as I did. While my heart wept for it all, it was Nick's story that did me in. Even hours after finishing the novel I'm still choked up just thinking about it, which is just as well as I don't want to reveal too much. I highly recommend you read this novel. For me it's a story that I'll remember for a very long time.
Beth Rinyu's "A Will to Change" is Will's story who we were briefly introduced to in "A Cry for Hope," which I'm already looking forward to reading.
Beth Rinyu's "A Will to Change" is Will's story who we were briefly introduced to in "A Cry for Hope," which I'm already looking forward to reading.
Read
September 12, 2016I haven't read this. I just opened the book and typed the word "cheating" on the search box. Soooo.... Yep! There was or were. Ha ha! No, just no! Both MCs had their reasons, but they would never be valid for me. Cheating is cheating! Ahhh!!! That's how they dealt with their sh*t. I get it. What they'd been through was tough. But I couldn't get past it no matter how I try to open my mind. So, moving forward!
January 19, 2016
WHY WHY WHY???
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR TISSUES HANDY.
WHAT A BOOK ABSOLUTLEY LOVED IT
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR TISSUES HANDY.
WHAT A BOOK ABSOLUTLEY LOVED IT
March 9, 2014
Also posted at Tea-rrific Reads
Straight A's for Beth Rinyu's books!
This book literally broke my heart and made me shed a waterfall of tears! This gave me so much heartbreak but eventually healed me.
I have always been a fan of Beth Rinyu's works. The Unplanned Series made me cry, made me blush, and made me laugh. But this book, A Cry of Hope, made me shed a waterfall of tears. It gave me all the feels for a woman, a mother, who lost almost everything in her life. Everything that made her life worth living. And I have to warn you, please prepare a box of tissue before you read this book. I'm 100% sure you'll be needing it.
"This is the story about my family. My beautiful son, my once perfect husband, and finding the courage to live and feel whole again."
At first, I thought this will be another love story about a girl and a boy who were bestfriends then ended up marrying each other. But I was wrong.
A Cry For Hope is a story about Hope, a mother, who lost her son. Not only did he lost her son, but also her husband's heart. He blames her for the tragic incident and she can do nothing but to take the blame. I am not a mother (yet) but through Beth's writing, I can feel the exact feelings of Hope. If I were her, I wouldn't know what to do. It's too much heartbreak for me and I can't bear that kind of pain!
"My two greatest fears in life were losing my child and dying myself. Since I had already faced one of those fears head on, I no longer feared the second."
I hated Jamie, Hope's husband. How can he blame Hope for the loss of their son, Charlie, all this time? Does he really think Hope wanted it to happen? The flashbacks of their lives made me cry each and every time. It literally broke my heart. I was a mess. I cried inside the shuttle going to work while reading. I didn't care about the stares of other people at me. I just cared about Hope's feelings. I wanted to hug her and tell her that everything will be fine. I wanted to slap Jamie to make him realize what he's done. He should've been there for Hope and comfort her in this rough time of their lives. Ugh! Hope made the right decision to stay away from Jamie for the time being and stay with her mother. She needs someone who will understand her and make her feel better.
"You know, Jamie, sometimes emotional pain can hurt worse than physical pain. I would rather endure that day over and over again, rather than feeling like I'm worthless to the man I love."
When Hope ran home, to her mother, all she wanted was to think and probably lessen the pain in her heart by keeping herself busy. But what she didn't expect is that she'd bump into her childhood bestfriend, Nick. And I guess this is why girls also need guy bestfriends. Because in this story, one of them played the most important part. They started hanging out again, keeping up with each other's life. She found out that Nick is carrying some burden with him too, and she thought of not adding to that burden. But Nick can't bear to see Hope feeling so down and hopeless. So he helped her ease out the pain and move on. I thought this will lead into some kind of a friends with benefits thing, but I was wrong again. Nick did everything to pick up the shattered pieces of Hope's heart. He made her feel she is worthy of love, that she deserved to be loved. And I love Nick so much for what he did. Every girl needs a guy like Nick, even for just a friend.
"Hope, you are not hopeless at all. You've just been through a lot and you've changed because of it. You will never be the same person that you were before you lost your son, just like I will never be the same person I was before. . ."
Nick played the biggest role in reuniting Jamie and Hope, thus giving them another chance. Their whole story might bring you pain, and despair, but Nick will give you hope. He will bring you happiness and forgiveness. Yes, the loss of Charlie will always be a whole in their heart that will never be replaced, but eventually, that loss will turn out to be a new beginning, a new life. This is a TOTAL tear-jerker but I don't have any regrets reading this. Beth, I love you. I love your works. I love your characters.
Straight A's for Beth Rinyu's books!
This book literally broke my heart and made me shed a waterfall of tears! This gave me so much heartbreak but eventually healed me.
I have always been a fan of Beth Rinyu's works. The Unplanned Series made me cry, made me blush, and made me laugh. But this book, A Cry of Hope, made me shed a waterfall of tears. It gave me all the feels for a woman, a mother, who lost almost everything in her life. Everything that made her life worth living. And I have to warn you, please prepare a box of tissue before you read this book. I'm 100% sure you'll be needing it.
"This is the story about my family. My beautiful son, my once perfect husband, and finding the courage to live and feel whole again."
At first, I thought this will be another love story about a girl and a boy who were bestfriends then ended up marrying each other. But I was wrong.
A Cry For Hope is a story about Hope, a mother, who lost her son. Not only did he lost her son, but also her husband's heart. He blames her for the tragic incident and she can do nothing but to take the blame. I am not a mother (yet) but through Beth's writing, I can feel the exact feelings of Hope. If I were her, I wouldn't know what to do. It's too much heartbreak for me and I can't bear that kind of pain!
"My two greatest fears in life were losing my child and dying myself. Since I had already faced one of those fears head on, I no longer feared the second."
I hated Jamie, Hope's husband. How can he blame Hope for the loss of their son, Charlie, all this time? Does he really think Hope wanted it to happen? The flashbacks of their lives made me cry each and every time. It literally broke my heart. I was a mess. I cried inside the shuttle going to work while reading. I didn't care about the stares of other people at me. I just cared about Hope's feelings. I wanted to hug her and tell her that everything will be fine. I wanted to slap Jamie to make him realize what he's done. He should've been there for Hope and comfort her in this rough time of their lives. Ugh! Hope made the right decision to stay away from Jamie for the time being and stay with her mother. She needs someone who will understand her and make her feel better.
"You know, Jamie, sometimes emotional pain can hurt worse than physical pain. I would rather endure that day over and over again, rather than feeling like I'm worthless to the man I love."
When Hope ran home, to her mother, all she wanted was to think and probably lessen the pain in her heart by keeping herself busy. But what she didn't expect is that she'd bump into her childhood bestfriend, Nick. And I guess this is why girls also need guy bestfriends. Because in this story, one of them played the most important part. They started hanging out again, keeping up with each other's life. She found out that Nick is carrying some burden with him too, and she thought of not adding to that burden. But Nick can't bear to see Hope feeling so down and hopeless. So he helped her ease out the pain and move on. I thought this will lead into some kind of a friends with benefits thing, but I was wrong again. Nick did everything to pick up the shattered pieces of Hope's heart. He made her feel she is worthy of love, that she deserved to be loved. And I love Nick so much for what he did. Every girl needs a guy like Nick, even for just a friend.
"Hope, you are not hopeless at all. You've just been through a lot and you've changed because of it. You will never be the same person that you were before you lost your son, just like I will never be the same person I was before. . ."
Nick played the biggest role in reuniting Jamie and Hope, thus giving them another chance. Their whole story might bring you pain, and despair, but Nick will give you hope. He will bring you happiness and forgiveness. Yes, the loss of Charlie will always be a whole in their heart that will never be replaced, but eventually, that loss will turn out to be a new beginning, a new life. This is a TOTAL tear-jerker but I don't have any regrets reading this. Beth, I love you. I love your works. I love your characters.
March 14, 2014
4.5 emotional stars!!!!
I had a pretty good feeling when I saw this cover that this book was going to be emotional. Then I read the synopsis and knew it was a book that would touch me as I have a little boy just about the age of Charlie. Do yourself a favor and do not skip the PSA at the beginning of the book.
This book made me cry, it made me angry, there was some happy moments but mostly there was angst and tears. Beth's writing doesn't disappoint and even with the story flipping between past and present tense the flow of the book is not disrupted.
Hope and Jamie are reeling from the loss of their son but instead of finding comfort in each other they become disconnected. After discovering Jamie has been unfaithful she returns to her hometown to regroup and try to heal herself before working on healing her relationship.
Hope reconnects with her childhood best friend Nick while home. Spending time with Nick pulls her focus from her troubles to and she begins to heal. Through all of the turmoil Hope has held on to the love she feels for Jamie and the hope that they will make it through eventually. Now, I won't lie, I was on the fence about wanting something more to develop with Nick and Hope finding her way back to Jamie.
Loss, seemed to be the underlying factor throughout the story. Nick too is trying to deal with his own sense of loss and find his purpose. Will Hope be the one to save Nick? Will her bond with Nick be what breaks the last string holding Jamie and Hope together? Can they learn to let go of the past and look forward to a future?
Well I could answer those questions for you but then you would be missing out an AMAZING book. So go grab a box of tissues and A Cry for Hope and find out.
I had a pretty good feeling when I saw this cover that this book was going to be emotional. Then I read the synopsis and knew it was a book that would touch me as I have a little boy just about the age of Charlie. Do yourself a favor and do not skip the PSA at the beginning of the book.
This book made me cry, it made me angry, there was some happy moments but mostly there was angst and tears. Beth's writing doesn't disappoint and even with the story flipping between past and present tense the flow of the book is not disrupted.
Hope and Jamie are reeling from the loss of their son but instead of finding comfort in each other they become disconnected. After discovering Jamie has been unfaithful she returns to her hometown to regroup and try to heal herself before working on healing her relationship.
Hope reconnects with her childhood best friend Nick while home. Spending time with Nick pulls her focus from her troubles to and she begins to heal. Through all of the turmoil Hope has held on to the love she feels for Jamie and the hope that they will make it through eventually. Now, I won't lie, I was on the fence about wanting something more to develop with Nick and Hope finding her way back to Jamie.
Loss, seemed to be the underlying factor throughout the story. Nick too is trying to deal with his own sense of loss and find his purpose. Will Hope be the one to save Nick? Will her bond with Nick be what breaks the last string holding Jamie and Hope together? Can they learn to let go of the past and look forward to a future?
Well I could answer those questions for you but then you would be missing out an AMAZING book. So go grab a box of tissues and A Cry for Hope and find out.
March 20, 2014
☆☆☆☆☆
A perfectly written whirlwind of emotions. When a book comes with a disclaimer urging the reader to whoop out the box of tissue...please take heed to the suggestion.
I absolutely love Beth Rinyu. Everything she writes is full of depth and real, organic emotion that devours your every thought. Stories you hold near and dear, and ones so memorable.
A Cry for Hope is no exception to the rule. This book literally blew me away! This is by far the author's best writing to date! Wonderfully written, smooth transitions, effortlessly projected emotions, raw and relentless. Every feeling concrete - jumping off the page and grabbing you by the throat demanding your attention and the attention of every tear your eyes can muster. I swear I cried from the moment I cracked open the book. I knew I would die a million deaths, but I could not resist. At one point I considered therapy.
This book is like no other. I have cried my share of ugly cries, but nothing like this. There are losses beyond comprehension, beyond forgetting or forgiving. Some losses we bear for life, others we overcome. Life is sometimes unforgiving ...unfair. Hope's journey is fueled by more loss than you can ever imagine. Hope's story is reality. A reality I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/Op78Ep
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1qXWIuI
B & N: http://bit.ly/1gBUzMj
A perfectly written whirlwind of emotions. When a book comes with a disclaimer urging the reader to whoop out the box of tissue...please take heed to the suggestion.
I absolutely love Beth Rinyu. Everything she writes is full of depth and real, organic emotion that devours your every thought. Stories you hold near and dear, and ones so memorable.
A Cry for Hope is no exception to the rule. This book literally blew me away! This is by far the author's best writing to date! Wonderfully written, smooth transitions, effortlessly projected emotions, raw and relentless. Every feeling concrete - jumping off the page and grabbing you by the throat demanding your attention and the attention of every tear your eyes can muster. I swear I cried from the moment I cracked open the book. I knew I would die a million deaths, but I could not resist. At one point I considered therapy.
This book is like no other. I have cried my share of ugly cries, but nothing like this. There are losses beyond comprehension, beyond forgetting or forgiving. Some losses we bear for life, others we overcome. Life is sometimes unforgiving ...unfair. Hope's journey is fueled by more loss than you can ever imagine. Hope's story is reality. A reality I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy.
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/Op78Ep
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/1qXWIuI
B & N: http://bit.ly/1gBUzMj
October 31, 2014
An Emotional Roller-coaster
Eight months ago Hope lost her son in a tragedy. Now she is losing her husband. She needs time and escapes to her mom's to decide what to do next. There she meets her childhood best friend, Nick, who moved away when they were entering the 9th grade. Together again the friendship rekindles and with it so does Hope's faith that she can heal. This is her journey.
I really loved A Cry For Hope by Beth Rinyu. It is a huge emotional roller-coaster with laughs and tears.(I am not ashamed to admit that as a 44 yr old straight male) I was sucked in to this book from the beginning and tossed back and forth with my emotions. I loved the main characters of Hope and Nick and even the secondary character appealed to story.
There really wasn't anything I disliked about this book, thus my 5 star rating obviously.
This book is touching, heartfelt, heartbreaking, with a few hot love scenes thrown in. A nice change of pace for me.
I recommend this book strongly to anyone who has lost a love one, especially a child. I also recommend this to those who love to feel deeply when reading a well done story.
Eight months ago Hope lost her son in a tragedy. Now she is losing her husband. She needs time and escapes to her mom's to decide what to do next. There she meets her childhood best friend, Nick, who moved away when they were entering the 9th grade. Together again the friendship rekindles and with it so does Hope's faith that she can heal. This is her journey.
I really loved A Cry For Hope by Beth Rinyu. It is a huge emotional roller-coaster with laughs and tears.(I am not ashamed to admit that as a 44 yr old straight male) I was sucked in to this book from the beginning and tossed back and forth with my emotions. I loved the main characters of Hope and Nick and even the secondary character appealed to story.
There really wasn't anything I disliked about this book, thus my 5 star rating obviously.
This book is touching, heartfelt, heartbreaking, with a few hot love scenes thrown in. A nice change of pace for me.
I recommend this book strongly to anyone who has lost a love one, especially a child. I also recommend this to those who love to feel deeply when reading a well done story.
December 7, 2014
Beth Rinyu is a new to me author. A Cry for Hope was my first read from her. I knew by looking at this blurb it was going to be an emotionally charged read. I just didn't expect it to hit me as hard as it did.
I was sucked in from the prologue, Beth created a great starting point in this story. There's nothing I love more than a good angst filled read, this book has a crazy amount of it.
Hope has suffered the ultimate loss, and now her marriage is in jeopardy. She turns to her mother to help her sort out her life. While she's working in her mother's bakery, her first love and former best friend walk back into the picture.
Nick is on leave from the military. He never expected to run into Hope again. While they rebuild their friendship, something more begins to simmer under the surface. But Hope still loves her husband, can she love Nick too?
This is a read that requires lots of tissues. I was choked up and cried at quite a few parts during this story. I enjoyed this book immensely.
~ Erin, 5 Heartbreakingly Beautiful Stars
I was sucked in from the prologue, Beth created a great starting point in this story. There's nothing I love more than a good angst filled read, this book has a crazy amount of it.
Hope has suffered the ultimate loss, and now her marriage is in jeopardy. She turns to her mother to help her sort out her life. While she's working in her mother's bakery, her first love and former best friend walk back into the picture.
Nick is on leave from the military. He never expected to run into Hope again. While they rebuild their friendship, something more begins to simmer under the surface. But Hope still loves her husband, can she love Nick too?
This is a read that requires lots of tissues. I was choked up and cried at quite a few parts during this story. I enjoyed this book immensely.
~ Erin, 5 Heartbreakingly Beautiful Stars
May 29, 2014
This was my first book by Beth Rinyu & I have to say i was not disappointed! From the beginning to the end this book captured my heart & emotions! The drowning death of Hope & Jamie's son. Causes them to step back & examine their lives as Husband & Wife. As time goes on Hope's Best Friend Nick walks back into her life! As they both try to help each other cope with things that haunt their past they grow close again! Then tragedy hits home again for Hope & Nick that will forever change everyone's lives forever! Can she handle this on her own? Will Jamie come back in her life? Can they get past the lost of their son & get back to what they had in the beginning! All these questions are answered in this wonderful written story of love, loss & betrayal! Can't wait to read more from Beth!
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